The discussion about being stopped by the police (in Japan) made me realise that part of what I really disliked about it was not the way they talked to me, but just the fact that they suddenly and unexpected disturbed me and were stepping on my privacy. I already don't like when a stranger starts talking to me in the street or on a train (my inner reaction is "what does this guy want ? leave me alone !"). I want to see how other people react.
Privacy and the acceptance of strangers varies across cultures. British people are more reserved about striking up a conversation with strangers than Americans or Australians, for instance. Many Brits wouldn't feel comfortable talking to someone they know surrounded by strangers in a restricted space (e.g. in a queue, a lift/elevator or the underground/subway).
Privacy and the acceptance of strangers varies across cultures. British people are more reserved about striking up a conversation with strangers than Americans or Australians, for instance. Many Brits wouldn't feel comfortable talking to someone they know surrounded by strangers in a restricted space (e.g. in a queue, a lift/elevator or the underground/subway).
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