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This is a highly culturally dependent practice; here in the UK, saying "hello" to strangers is weird/creepy/intrusive and suggests you want something from them.
by cstross 10y ago
This is a highly culturally dependent practice; here in the UK, saying "hello" to strangers is weird/creepy/intrusive and suggests you want something from them. (Also: the American practice of baring your teeth when smiling is often received as aggression.)
It doesn't mean they're not nice people: just that by starting an interaction trivially you've invaded their comfort zone.
- bb101 10y agoOnly in UK cities. In villages and hamlets almost everyone says Hello to everyone, even if they don't know them. This also extends to drivers raising their hand from the steering wheel in a little greeting when passing in country lanes.
- tbrake 10y ago> (Also: the American practice of baring your teeth when smiling is often received as aggression.) This is patently ridiculous.
- tunap 10y agoAmerican here, I have always found it disingenuous and a little creepy when people smile while baring all of their teeth. There is a difference from showing some when extremely happy and the practiced facade people selling something have learned to do unconsciously, notably when lower lip curls down for more dental exposure.
- _puk 10y agoBrings to mind the smiling with upper and lower teeth sketch from Silicon Valley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGSJ8b9raJs&t=16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGSJ8b9raJs&t=16