Strange Behavior

Most of us will never have to adapt to another culture.  Social norms in different cultures range from slightly different to diametrically opposed.  I am an American expat living in Ukraine.  One such example is the socially accepted treatment of strangers.  In the U.S. it is impolite not to speak to someone.  If you look them in the eye you would typically say hello or acknowledge them in some way.  You certainly wouldn't push past them without saying excuse me.  In Ukraine it is considered odd to speak to strangers without a reason. My wife, who is Ukrainian, spent a lot of time apologizing for my rude behavior when I first came here and greeted everyone I met.  It has also taken me a long time to become accustomed to people nudging past me without a word.