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Well, you can tell that to all the Nõmme, Tondi, Pirita, Kesklinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Karksi-Nuia amongst other places I've lived where I've smiled and said "Tere
by someoneeestis 1mo ago
Well, you can tell that to all the Nõmme, Tondi, Pirita, Kesklinn, Tartu, Viljandi, Karksi-Nuia amongst other places I've lived where I've smiled and said "Tere hommikust!" to as they turned their face away and pretended I didn't exist.
I've also lived in Amsterdam and even people on the street who were not my neighbors smiled and said good morning and often that triggered a little conversation and laughters.
Like I said, I'm Brazilian and I've also lived in Ireland where people are super warm. There is no "insincerity" and "mindless" assumed, only the desire to make our days a little more bearable, warm and welcoming.
The younger generation is better indeed but they also come with a new set of anti-social behavior. Just like every generation, really. Not blaming either one in here.
The attitude always shifts a little when I speak Estonian, though and for that I'm happy enough. I have adapted but will never stop smiling at the shops or at the people who live nearby. I don't expect them to be like me but I also won't erase myself as if I'm being insincere because I'm simply not. I rather be a positive force for change.
To each their own, I reckon. I guess a good neighbor it's the one you don't talk to.
- jaen 1mo agoI didn't imply that you were being insincere... re: the greeting, I think introverts around the world do not necessarily appreciate being randomly greeted by strangers, they just get used to it if the culture is like that. From that perspective, I don't think just a random greeting from a stranger always makes people feel more warm and the days more bearable either. It's more of a correlation rather than causation. People have different personalities and different associations.
- someoneeestis 1mo agoTotally agree with you, introverts everywhere will frown upon that. But there's a inherent difference between the "general" aspects of the culture and friendliness of every country. I was just highlighting a general aspect of Estonian culture. I've also had amazing and unforgettable memories in Estonia with people who I never saw again in my life. It's just harder in here. As for correlation, a single stranger certainly not. But I have lost count of how many Estonians visited UK/Ireland/Spain and came back telling me they were so happy about being an "amigo" or at having incredible customer service that didn't make them feel unwelcome like a chore. It does matter.
- notahacker 1mo ago> re: the greeting, I think introverts around the world do not necessarily appreciate being randomly greeted by strangers, they just get used to it if the culture is like that the flip side is that extroverts around the world don't necessarily like everyone giving the impression that their existence is an inconvenience, they just get used to it if the culture implies that seeking interaction with people they don't have a close interaction with is rude or suspicious behaviour... (as for Estonia it may have assimilated Russian smile-aversion as well as being nearly as culturally introverted as Finland)
- someoneeestis 1mo ago> re: the flip side is that extroverts around the world don't necessarily like everyone giving the impression that their existence is an inconvenience. I couldn't have said it better and I'm stealing this from ya. Beautifully said.
- java-man 1mo agohow can you tell a Finnish extrovert? he looks at YOUR boots! as an introvert, I like this discussion.
- Saline9515 1mo agoFinnish people are actually quite warm and welcoming. I know that they like to say that they are introverts, but each time I spend time there I find it very easy to engage, and always have people talking to me (even if it is to warn me of something that I did wrong!).
- busterarm 1mo agoI would also say Brazil and Ireland are unusually friendly & warm compared to most of the world. Irish people making small talk is practically a competitive sport.
- someoneeestis 1mo agoDamn right, brother! Damn right!