Norwegians need space
A lot of Space
This is when you know that a Norwegian bus stop is full
And that you need to stand
When i first came to Norway
I would go and sit in the middle
Very often
One of the person would stand up
and take a step aside
After a little while
I realised that you cannot sit on such a bench
It is a full bench!
I grew up in Canada
I am white
I lived in numerous countries before moving to Norway
The easiest explanation for me
Was that Norwegians felt uncomfortable having a stranger sitting so close
That they needed more space
But what if you look different
Or wear religious symbols
How easy would it be for you to believe
That people go away from you
Because of the color of your skin
Or your religion?
This is the type of cultural misunderstandings that brings people apart in societies
People from different cultures have different expectations
And difference unwritten social norms
We all see the world through cultural glasses
Welcome to Norway
You may need a guide
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