Source: "The Social Guidebook to Norway"
Do not be surprised if your Norwegian neighbour passes just in front of you
Without looking at you
Without greeting you
As if you did not exist
As if you were invisible
He is not rude, nor impolite
He is actually very polite
Norwegian polite
He does not want to disturb
He will talk to you if there is a practical reason to do so
If something is wrong with the garden
If he is unpleased by something
If your neighbours, colleagues and acquaintances do not greet you and small talk, it does not mean they do not like you
They are just trying to be polite, Norwegian polite
If you meet in another setting where there is a reason to speak
Like in «Syden» or at «marka»
It will provide a comfortable framework and a practical reason to speak to you
And you neighbour will be more than happy to speak with you then!
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Read more about our amazing Norwegian friends in Our Social Guidebooks to Norway