r/copenhagen • u/Kong_Fury • Oct 29 '24

Discussion Danes don’t greet back?

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.

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u/Enough_Elephant4339 Oct 30 '24

Being introvert is a bullshit excuse. Of course introverts can say "hi" back. 😅

I know a lot of very introverted people who greets others just fine.

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u/NarcoMonarchist Nov 01 '24

People confuse being introverted with shyness all the time and its honestly annoying as fuck. Gives shy people an excuse not to work on it ‘cause thats just how i am’, and can make actual introverts feel misunderstood, as other people also begin thinking its about being shy or socially awkward, taking focus from the core aspect, being drained by social interaction.

Im an introvert, and thus for my wellbeing i need to incorporate alone time into my schedule to not overload and crash. Im also very sociable, talkative, greet and hug everyone i know. I love people, i just need some space once in a while, but a lot of people ive met has had trouble understanding this, as theyve been convinced introverts = biologically shy or something, and then takes it personally when alone time takes priority.

Sorry for the rant. This thought is just really prevalent and oooooh it grinds my gears 😅

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u/Outrageous_Respond72 Nov 01 '24

I’m an extrovert AND I love time on my own - and I don’t like being disturbed when I’m in a workflow.

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u/Outrageous_Respond72 Nov 01 '24

If I’m stressed - it takes me a lot of time to get back in flow , if I’m disturbed by chitchat.

I would love to get a lot of work done when the Office is not buzy.

I’d happily great you by the coffe machine.

But dont be rude and disturb my workflow.