Danish Guy Reacts to Why Americans Talk to Complete Strangers

Comments · 2.5K

• DA

  @DanishGuyReacts · 2 weeks ago · pinned

  One correction before you beat me to it: I put France on the “quiet countries” list. That was too broad — saying “bonjour” when you enter a shop is part of the etiquette. Quiet doesn’t mean silent. My mistake. 🇫🇷<br><br>But here’s what I really want to know:<br><br>You’ve had a long day and have zero energy for small talk. How do you say “not today” without sounding rude?<br><br>You’re in an elevator with five Danes. Two minutes. Nobody says a word. Peaceful or painfully awkward?<br><br>I’ll be in the US in 2027. Which city should I put my Danish social skills to the test in? 🇩🇰🇺🇸

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• OB

  @oblioarrow567 · 12 days ago

  To quote the late great Dolly Parton, &quot; If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.&quot;

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• LO

  @lorriholden2181 · 8 days ago

  Talking to strangers creates community and shows love and kindness.

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• SM

  @SmadaHaras · 11 days ago

  American here, my sister and I were driving through kentucky in the winter, it was snowing pretty hard and traffic on the highway came to a standstill. After it became clear that we&apos;d be there for a long time, we shut the car off and got out and starting throwing snowballs at each other. Within minutes we were joined by people from 10 to 15 other cars. We were almost disappointed when traffic started moving again. LOL.

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• FO

  @Forgotten-not-gone · 10 days ago

  Being able to talk to strangers is absolutely key to having a civil, open society. It’s the beginning of awareness of other people and broad based empathy.

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• RE

  @reikicowgirl9817 · 9 days ago

  Another story… I was once traveling alone and was in Minneapolis. It was summertime and beautiful out, so I walked to the Guthrie Theater to see if I could get in to see a play. It was sold out, of course. As I was turning to leave, an elderly lady standing nearby stopped me and asked if I was looking for a ticket. I told her that they were sold out, and she said, “I have season tickets and my husband did not want to come tonight. I would love the company if you would like to join me?” Of course I said yes, and this lovely lady had tickets in the second row orchestra! We saw an excellent play and she was so happy not to have to sit alone.

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• KR

  @KristenJohnston-e1f · 2 weeks ago

  If I speak to a stranger, it&apos;s easy to pick up on the social cues if they don&apos;t want to chat. &nbsp;And you leave them alone.

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• RE

  @reneeb.2702 · 11 days ago

  I will never forget in college being very depressed. I was sitting alone in the dorm lobby. A guy walked by &amp; just said ‘you’re beautiful’ &amp; kept going. I never saw that stranger again but that little gesture shook me out of my sadness. Kindness costs nothing.

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• KI

  @Kira_Spitz · 2 weeks ago

  Many of us grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as children. He always said that a stranger might be a friend you just hadn’t met yet. <br>His show was on PBS in the US for around 33 years until the last episode aired in August 2001. He’s an American cultural icon and considered a national treasure along with Dolly Parton. <br>His show taught kids across multiple generations important lessons like how to deal with emotions constructively, about diversity, that it costs nothing to be kind, but it could help someone else, and about the importance of just being yourself. &nbsp;The episodes and collections of clips are available on youtube.

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• KA

  @karenpowers3319 · 6 days ago

  I was waiting with my boyfriend in the ER waiting room. He is sleeping till it&apos;s his rurn.Of course, I start talking to a older lady who was alone . She was at the doctor&apos;s office and she was having problem with her heart. An hour later her husband arrives. &nbsp;She introduces me to him as her new friend. I talked to her because she was all alone. Sometimes taking time to interact with others is a kindness &nbsp;we are brought up to do.

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• LE

  @leslieaharden6183 · 8 days ago

  A kind conversation is a gift. You are lifted up. People care for each other.

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• CA

  @Carol-z8k5m · 2 weeks ago

  Believe it or not.. having a bad day or feeling like not today is the best time to talk to a stranger. A stranger can turn a bad day or a bad situation into a positive experience. &nbsp;Just a little small talk or venting to a complete stranger can put a smile back on your face. &nbsp;You realize nothing is really that bad.

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