[Naomilla2.0]

Yes, I pity those who cannot reciprocate. It could be geography specific. I don't know much about general manners concerning driving where you live (just past Rockaways, I presume), but here are my experiences.

In the generally genteel Westchester County, people are mostly courteous - most of them wave back or flash the light. Although more congested areas south of I-287 and towns along I-95, that's another different story.

When I used to live in northern New Jersey as well as Philadelphia, only a handful bothered to acknowledge the courtesy. In New Jersey, an oncoming car trying to make a left turn at the traffic light will try to cut you off as soon as the light turns green.

I, for one, make sure that I return the courtesy by waving back - small gesture goes a long way in preventing any potential road rage incidents.