A running influencer is going viral after sharing a humorous comparison of what it is like trying to strike up conversations with strangers in Seattle versus San Francisco.

The Instagram post, shared by runner and content creator Duncan (@duncan_runs), highlights a familiar stereotype about Seattle social culture: the so-called “Seattle Freeze.” The post contrasts interactions in the two West Coast cities, portraying Seattle as a place where approaching someone for a conversation can be noticeably more difficult than in San Francisco.

The joke quickly resonated with Seattle residents online, where conversations about the city’s reputation for being socially reserved are common. Some longtime residents have described the phenomenon as a tendency for people to be polite but less likely to engage strangers or form new friendships, while others argue that the stereotype is exaggerated and depends heavily on the neighborhood, social setting and individual.

The idea of the “Seattle Freeze” has become a recognizable part of the city’s culture, particularly among transplants who say they have found it difficult to break into established social circles. Recent discussions among Seattle residents have similarly debated whether the city is genuinely less social or whether people simply have different expectations around interacting with strangers.

Duncan’s post has now brought the conversation back into the spotlight, with the comparison striking a chord among people who have experienced the difference themselves — or strongly disagree with it.

For Seattle, it is another viral reminder of one of the city’s most persistent stereotypes: people may be friendly, but getting them to actually talk to you can be a different story.