Thoughts on a Conversation with a Stranger – Part 6
The story continues from yesterday (here): https://copytestprove.com/thoughts-on-a-conversation-with-a-stranger-part-5/
If you want to join me from the beginning, start here: https://copytestprove.com/thoughts-on-a-conversation-with-a-stranger-part-1/
He said, ‘It’s all about culture.’
‘What is?’
‘I was talking to a friend who travels a lot. She says in other countries people seem hesitant when she greets them.’
‘Yes, I’m from a country that is very conservative. They keep to themselves unless it’s absolutely necessary. (I’m originally from Japan.) I been through a crowded Tokyo street with zero human contact. If you make too much noise at home in some cities you can get warned by the police for disturbing the neighborhood. When my husband (who’s been in Nigeria close to 30 years) first visited Japan, he was greeting everyone like normal and people were looking at him like he had escaped from the psychiatric hospital.’
‘They must not know the verse that says, ‘A man that wants friends should show himself friendly.’
‘Japan doesn’t really have a Christian background. And besides their culture is very different.’
‘How so…?’
The story will continue tomorrow.
I’ve always taught my kids to smile and say hello because you never know how a simple greeting might brighten someone’s day. It’s fascinating how different cultures approach something as simple as saying hello.
Yeah it’s so fascinating how different cultures approve of infraction with strangers lol. When I first learned of how big on personal space and manners were in Japan, compared to here in America, is was quite eye opening.
Loved this. It’s interesting how people in different cultures react/act differently towards strangers greeting them. I’m Canadian and for the most part we’re known as some of the friendliest people. I find though it depends where you live (like neighbourhood and such!) some people are more open to greeting others in certain parts of town, while others not so much. Also, since the pandemic I think a lot of people have lost the spirit of talking/greeting strangers – it’s so sad. Great post!