15.10.2010 | Hilla Polvinen After living in America for 7 years, moving back to Finland was a shock. Not so much in respect to the schooling system, working life or even the language, but mostly due to the fundamental differences in culture and social conduct. In Finland I was quickly taught some basic, Finnish social customs: -Do NOT sit next to a stranger on the bus, especially if there are empty rows. - If you smile at strangers others will think you are either a) a foreigner or b) mentally unwell. -Don’t give compliments or greet people with “How are you?”. People need their own space and being too friendly is intimidating....