Source: "The Social Guidebook to Norway" & "Nordmenn uten filter"
In Norway you need to have a reason to speak to others
Spontaneous communication in public spaces is less common than in other countries
You mind your own business and try not to disturb others by unnecessary communication
Politeness in Norway is a lot about not disturbing others
Leaving others alone and in peace
Trying to start a conversation without a reason will most probably be more difficult than in the rest of the world
But if you have a reason to speak: You are doing the same activity, you are part of the same group or you face the same challenges
And Norwegians have the opportunity to escape: they know that the interaction is linked to a situation and that they will soon be able to leave the interaction without long term engagement
Then they will be very easy to speak to!
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Read more about our amazing Norwegian friends in Our Social Guidebooks to Norway