I think a lot of people here have talked about the norms in Polish culture around politeness. I understand there are some differences between Polish culture and Anglo-saxon in this regard. I know saying sorry isn't so common here. However, I've noticed not many Poles acknowledge when someone apologises to them for something. It may be they had to move round your car when you're manoeuvring around in the car park or you held them up for a moment in the corridor, lift etc. So you then you apologise or if in the car raise your hand and smile.... I'm talking about neighbours or people you see everyday. I'm used to the other person at least acknowledging your existence in this case perhaps a nod, smile whatever, but here they just seem to stare at me or blank me. I find it a bit awkward. What's going on in their minds? Should I just overcome this awkwardness? Is it really necessary for me to apologise in these cases in Poland?
To me apologies in this situation would be akin to small talk, and as we know Poles are really no good at it at all.
The thing is that you say to someone....sorry/przepraszam...and then you've done your bit, even if they stare at you as if you had just landed from planet Mars.
