You cannot escape
You have no reason to talk
The distance to fellow humans is uncomfortably close
You really hope that no one will come into the elevator
Damn an American comes in!
Asking you weird things
Why on Earth is this complete stranger wondering how you are doing
Don't worry, he doesn't
It is just part of his politeness norms
To ask how people are doing
You can just repeat the question instead of answering
In some place it is polite to look at others in the eyes
Say hi
Ask how you are doing
When entering the elevator
They even say goodbye when leaving
For Swedes this is a nightmare
Swedes can greet
Small talk
Smile
But they need to have a reason
a lot of space
And feel like they can escape at any moment
--
"The Swedes" and "Working with Swedes" present many of the unknown social rules in Sweden
By Julien S. Bourrelle
Watch him on TED
