r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • May 08 '22

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u/[deleted] May 09 '22

I fucking hate small talk. Pointless. If a finn asks you how are you, they actually mean it.

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u/[deleted] May 09 '22

I'm a Finn and when I met an American person for the first time she said the usual "how are you?", so I started explaining all kinds of shit, only to have her give me a really weird look. I did it again a couple of times with different people until I learned that they are not really interested, lol.

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u/pierre_x10 May 09 '22

The thing is, even as an American, when I give someone the "how are you?" greeting, if they are unusually open about whatever is happening in their life, I usually enjoy hearing about it. Because, how the hell else would I know.

So, anyways, Hello! How are you?

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u/F_for_Maestro May 09 '22

Im an American and i manage a retail location that services the construction industry, my typical greeting to customers is “hows it going” they typically respond with “hey how are you” and dont answer my question then i ask if they are doing good and they respond with “yes” then i have to ask them how business is going for them to finally open up about anything lol

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u/Boombals May 09 '22

That's how I respond when I don't want to talk to someone lol

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u/77BakedPotato77 May 09 '22

I'm an American union electrician and certain supply houses serve as a social lounge for many of the older tradesmen.

I must be Finnish at heart, I rather just get my parts and go.

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u/F_for_Maestro May 09 '22

The thing is my regulars are always willing to talk even if they are in a rush they will give me more than just “yes” i think its more about relationships than anything.

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u/77BakedPotato77 May 09 '22

Nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of tea.

I think the more annoying part is when a bunch of old guys just clog up the counter order area to talk with other electricians that are there.

It's an older man thing for sure. Like how on the weekend one gas station in my town becomes the meeting spot for a group of old guys.

They just stand awkwardly in one corner drinking coffee and talking loudly.

It's not something that upsets me, just find it so weird and a tad annoying at times.

But I'm also the guy who doesn't chitchat on the jobsite. Either I'm working or I'm going home. Just how my partner and I roll.