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Do not be surprised if your neighbour passes just in front in the hallway
Without looking at you
Without greeting
As if you did not exist
Seemingly trying to avoid you
He is not rude, nor impolite
He is actually very 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 apartment block
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
Swedish polite
If you meet the same people in another setting where there is a reason to speak
Like at «semester» or «charterresor» or at the «städdag»
It will provide a comfortable framework and a practical reason to speak to you
At a time where you are obviously not busy
By Julien S. Bourrelle
Watch him on TED
