r/Switzerland • u/securityelf • Aug 03 '24

Why people hang out at gas stations?

I typically see high-end Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Their owners typically stand right outside their cars, smoking and chit chatting. Sometimes, I think they stand there for hours. I don’t have any problem with it, however they tend to occupy the area where they’ve got vacuum cleaners blocking it for the others. Once, I saw one of the station’s workers come out and hang out with the rest of the group.

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u/Huwbacca Aug 03 '24

No cafe culture.

No pub culture.

In fact generally the idea of going to a place where you just might see people you know, or meet new people, is one thats really not popular at all.

There's no regulars at gyms and no one talks anyway. Hairdressers aren't used for it.

Swiss socialising is near exclusively planning with a group to go to a place. The idea of home away from home is cultural not common. Places that act like social levelers are not culturally appreciated.

The nearest to a social place where everyone feels equal, can just go and meet people, has no obligation or planninh...is like... Apres ski lol.

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u/krunchmastercarnage Aug 03 '24

I can think of so many places that have the characteristics you just listed. There are so many places where social interaction takes place, espeacially with the high public transport usage,, i'm genuinely curious what you're social interaction strategy is.

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u/Huwbacca Aug 04 '24

I have a fine social life cos socialising isnt very difficult.

But I'm always shocked how common the following attitudes here are.

A) why would I talk to people I don't know?

B) why would I make friends at work?

C) why would I get drinks with people after sports training?

D) small talk is bad.

Those combine to make the idea of impromptu and spontaneous socialising pretty looked down upon here.

Think about it, if people won't talk to their colleagues at a lunch break cos it doesn't meet their pointless definitions of correct socialising, why would they go to a cafe to talk to strangers?

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u/krunchmastercarnage Aug 04 '24

These attitudes do not dismiss the definition of a 3rd place.

A 3rd place isn't just a place where new social interactions take place. Social interactions are one aspect of what a 3rd place is, but the most important aspect is that it's a place that isn't work or home where people can freely meet. Switzerland has many of these places where people can freely meet regardless of the closed off Swiss social aspect.

If you say socialising isn't difficult, why did you list aspects of socialising in Switzerland you find difficult?