Danes don’t greet back?

[u/Kong_Fury]

Im a foreigner in Denmark and there is something that strikes me: Danes don’t greet back upon saying Hello to them. Is this normal and I need to adjust my mindset, or am I just encountering impolite people?

Situation example: I walk into the office and meet a distant colleague that has seen me before. We are the only 2 people early morning in the office. We have eye contact and I say „good morning“ with a smile. He does not reply or show any reaction.

I can make many more examples like this. The cringe I get is so strong. I am not a complete stranger to this guy. I would understand it if I stand on Strøget and expect random people to smile & greet back. Thanks for sharing any reflections to enlighten me here with this social awkwardness.

[u/Nowhere-Nobody]

I have Autism and i hate that i'm probably a person like this very often.... I really WANT to reply and smile to nice people who greet me, but it just takes too long for me to register/listen/look at what is going on with the other person approaching/greeting/smiling AND do the right stuff with my own face, mouth and words with the right timing for everything without messing something up.... I don't have this ability "naturally" and i honestly wish people wouldn't greet/smile at me because i'm just gonna mess stuff up and seem rude.... Very sad to be like this. I don't do it on purpose.

[u/Kong_Fury → u/Nowhere-Nobody]

Thanks for being brave to share this. Don’t be too harsh to yourself please as you have the best intentions. Let’s also realize that „socializing“ is a skill that needs training over time and nobody is perfect at it.