Living between cultures allows to be a cultural bridge and raise awarness! That citation from Adolf Huxley comes from a chapter where he compare people from south and north, I found it full of humor and acumen.
Very interesting! In the North of England people do smile to strangers and they even start a conversations whilst waiting for the bus.
I do notice significant differences between countries when I travel - the lack of smiles especially to customers is off-putting in some countries. In England, they teach people to smile even when on the phone. A simple smile makes for great customer service!
I completely agree that a good smile makes for excellent service! However, I’ve also come to understand that, for some, it can be perceived as suspicious. I wasn’t always aware of this, but now I try to mirror my interlocutor to ensure we’re on the same wavelength. Once trust is established, my natural way of being comes through. It feels like a kind of survival instinct, I suppose.
Very interesting read! It’s amazing how a simple gesture as a smile can be interpreted in so many different ways. In Canada, where I live, and where daily politeness is a way of life, you are expected to smile at every passing stranger. But even that can be exhausting if you are smiling out of politeness rather than authenticity. Thank you for sharing this.
Adapting to a new culture while staying true to yourself is indeed a delicate balance. Skillfully blending adaptation with authenticity lead a fulfilling life abroad. It is a continously daily effort!
Great article! I love reflecting on cross-cultural differences (and similarities). The Adolf Huxley’s quote was so on point, too!
Living between cultures allows to be a cultural bridge and raise awarness! That citation from Adolf Huxley comes from a chapter where he compare people from south and north, I found it full of humor and acumen.
Very interesting! In the North of England people do smile to strangers and they even start a conversations whilst waiting for the bus.
I do notice significant differences between countries when I travel - the lack of smiles especially to customers is off-putting in some countries. In England, they teach people to smile even when on the phone. A simple smile makes for great customer service!
I completely agree that a good smile makes for excellent service! However, I’ve also come to understand that, for some, it can be perceived as suspicious. I wasn’t always aware of this, but now I try to mirror my interlocutor to ensure we’re on the same wavelength. Once trust is established, my natural way of being comes through. It feels like a kind of survival instinct, I suppose.
Yes, mirroring was another technique they teach in sales and customer service environments. And it does work wonders.
I guess our authentic self will always surface once we feel safe.
Very interesting read! It’s amazing how a simple gesture as a smile can be interpreted in so many different ways. In Canada, where I live, and where daily politeness is a way of life, you are expected to smile at every passing stranger. But even that can be exhausting if you are smiling out of politeness rather than authenticity. Thank you for sharing this.
Adapting to a new culture while staying true to yourself is indeed a delicate balance. Skillfully blending adaptation with authenticity lead a fulfilling life abroad. It is a continously daily effort!
Brest piece of writing and story. Thank you.
Thank you, Tino! I enjoyed connecting historical misunderstandings with cultural ones.
Really nice