In an elevator
You cannot escape
You have no reason to talk
The distance to strangers is uncomfortably close for Norwegians
And they really hope that no one will come into the elevator
Damn an American comes in!
And he starts asking weird things
Why on Earth is this complete stranger wondering how you are doing
Actually he doesn't
It is just an American
It is part of his politeness norms to ask people how they are doing
Just repeat the question instead of answering
In some places, like in the USA, it is polite to look at strangers in the eyes when you meet them
Say hi
Ask how they are doing
You do that when entering the elevator
And when you leave you say goodbye
For Norwegians this is a nightmare
Norwegians can greet
Small talk
Smile
But they need to be doing an activities
have a lot of space
And feel like they can escape at any moment
Like in nature for example
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