Quote:
Originally Posted by Caz
@ Motherbear... I cant believe brits snub you! Thats not good... well i defo wouldnt lol I'm too friendly... i'll speak to anyone hehe
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It's just one of those 'expat' things, I'm afraid. A lot of people out here work for certain big companies, like Shell, and have worked together previously in other countries, so immediately they have a ready-made circle of friends when they move on to the next posting. If you don't have kids at school, don't play golf, don't belong to one of the other sporty groups or do amateur dramatics, you're excluded because folks with similar hobbies and interests obviously stick together. This is fine and doesn't bother me at all, but I do feel a bit put out when I've made an effort to smile or start a little friendly conversation over the cold meats in the chilled cabinet in the supermarket and I've met with a blank look. It's probably down to the 'I've already got enough friends and don't need any more' syndrome where people are involved in their own little world and forget that there are other people outside it.
Not all are like this but it is noticeable how many are. A cheery smile and breezy 'Hello' can lift your spirits so there's no harm in trying to master the technique. We felt that the kiwis HAVE mastered it and put it to good use. I enjoyed going shopping in NZ because it often turned into a social event with shop assistants chatting to us like old friends and other shoppers putting their penny's worth in.