When you move to a new place, such as a new country or even a new city, there are often different social customs that are apart of the areas culture that you adjust to, and some customs you even pick up yourself. I have been in Iceland now for almost a year and have already adapted many of the social customs here.
I now catch myself saying new phrases and thinking, “wow, that was so Icelandic.” The all black attire of many Icelanders that I use to constantly point out as boring has drifted over to my fashion sense, I now find myself wearing all black and shunning my bright neon clothing. And going out to the bars after 1am is totally normal night out to me now.
So while most days I blend in quite nicely here with the rest of my blonde, pale Icelandic friends, there are still some social customs that I have yet to adapt and have lead to some awkward moments.
I smile at everyone
Back in the states it is totally normal to just smile at complete strangers while out in public. What else are you suppose to do when you have that awkward moment of eye contact? Frown?
Well apparently yes, that is exactly what you are suppose to do!
Icelanders are some of the most friendly people you will meet but if you walk down the street smiling at everyone you pass they will give you a look that clearly means they think you are crazy. So to those visiting Iceland in the future, don’t be offended if no one smiles back at you, it just isn’t a thing here. But have no fear, if you pass me on the street you can be sure I will be smiling away!
Small talk is my thing
My fellow Americans know the drill.
Your in the check out at the store, its your turn, you and cashier smile and share small talk about the weather, your meal your cooking that night, bla bla bla.
Totally normal interaction.
Well after receiving little to no response to my small talk attempts I turned to my Icelandic friends to ask their opinion on the matter. I mean were people just not engaging in small talk with me because I am foreign?
When my Icelandic friends all responded with how uncomfortable small talk was and how stressed they get when in America and have to deal with the constant small talk I quickly came to the conclusion, small talk is just not a thing in Iceland.
The bright side of not getting to engage in small talk with random people I meet is that my very limited Icelandic vocabulary goes a long way in my daily interactions. One day though I will convert at least one Icelander to enjoy small talk, H I am talking to you!
I can’t stop saying “Hi, how are you?”
When I started working here in Iceland one of the first things my co-workers asked me was what was the deal with people in America asking everyone, “hi, how are you?” My response was to ask them what is wrong with that greeting, it is totally normal.
Well apparently to my fellow Icelanders they find it a strange and uncomfortable greeting. The questions I have received about the greeting so far:
“Am I suppose to actually answer with how I am doing? Or do I just say fine?”
“Do you repeat the question to them as well? What if I don’t really care how they are doing and they start telling me their life problems?”
“Can’t I just smile and keep walking pass them? That is polite enough right? I mean I smiled at least.”
Even after having several conversations with my co-workers about how strange they find this greeting I just can’t help myself. Everyday I walk in the office and say, “Hi, how are you?” It is just not changing.
I often talk a bit too loud
I have often heard how loud Europeans think us Americans are. I use to quickly respond to this statement with a “WHAT! No we aren’t, we talk with a normal voice!”
Well, a few weeks ago when I was with some American friends I quickly realized we were basically shouting at each other across the table. I like to think it is just because we are all so excited to be speaking English with other native English speakers, but I know when we are off on our own we all probably still speak at the same loud volume.
This thought was confirmed when I mentioned this to H the other night and he responded, “ya, some times you talk so loud it is like your yelling at me.” My response to this, “I don’t have time for whispers!”
Cheek kisses make me act weird
One thing I don’t think I will ever master is the cheek kiss greeting. Do I turn my head to the right or the left? How close is to close to the cheek? Do I make a kiss sound or not? What if we both turn the same way and kiss on the lips!? Which this by the way has happened.
It doesn’t matter how close I am to the person, when I see them coming in for the cheek kiss I panic. I have now resorted to just not moving at all. I am not ever going to be the one doing the fake cheek kisses, just not happening.
via
I totally understand how this adorable dog feels!
What’s the fun in fitting in completely anyways! I like my socially awkward quirks, they aren’t going anywhere!
Question of the Day?
Do you have any socially awkward quirks? Have you ever had to adapt to different social customs?
I'm Kaelene, a girl from Oregon figuring out life in Iceland. I have a passion for travel and a weakness for a good glass of wine. I believe in faking it tell you make it and am far from figuring out the expat life. 
