Let's be overt about it

Another thing about Bermuda: the people are friendly and polite, something that Canadians have a reputation for, but there is a distinct, qualitative difference: Bermudians are overt about it, Canadians can be a bit passive, until we're engaged.

Take the bus for instance. You may (or may not) acknowledge the driver with anything varying from a hearty good morning (unlikely), to a simple head nod. You rarely make eye contact with your fellow passengers, and when someone sits down beside you, you both—in mutual understanding and acceptance of this behaviour—continue gazing out the window and completely ignore each other. All of this leaving you feeling slightly isolated, and anonymous amongst so many people. Physically close, but apathetic and connectionless.

This is the complete opposite from Bermuda. You can expect, and should reciprocate, the heartfelt "Hi, good day! How are you doing!" greeting you will get from each new person that boards the bus, or passes you on the street. And hide your astonishment when a chorus of greetings echo from those already on the bus. Furthermore, it is considered rude not to greet at least the driver in this fashion.

It certainly makes a lot of sense in an island-nation of a mere 66,000, to greet everyone you meet, because that person who just sat beside you could be your brother's, friend's, cousin, who knows your mother's, coworker's spouse. But aside from a practical perspective, it just feels good to give and receive acknowledgment!

(And maybe you are already that wonderfully, and extrovertedly kind person, and good on you! I don't want to completely generalize about our nation, and of course it does vary from province to city to community, but this is what I've noticed, in contrast to Bermuda.)

When I got back, I wished someone walking by me a "good afternoon" and got quite a quizzical look in return. He wasn't having it. But I'll keep trying, because it's so nice when you can make a connection with a fellow human, if even just for a minute. And really, most people respond with at least a warm smile, and a smile really is infectious. So go ahead, don't hide your inner Canadian, let it out, Bermudian style!