Conversation Etiquette.

When speaking with Finns, you may notice a different rhythme to your conversations. There are more pauses to allow others to contribute but because these pauses exist, there is really no reason to interrupt anyone at any point. Still, people from Mediterranean Europe or North America still have a hard time following these simple courtesies that I like to call this the 'conversation dance.'

So I guess I'm a bit ahead of the game. For someone with a pretty big mouth, I have a big advantage knowing, at the very least, the choreography of the dance. The problem is habit. Not only does my Canadian upbringing allow for free interjections but my Romanian culture teaches that it's necessary if you ever want to be heard! So when push comes to shove, it doesn't even matter if there's a bustle to talk, you just get used to doing what you do without even needing to do it anymore!

Now let's think of this from the Finnish perspective...
You're talking to someone, and they won't stop interrupting you. You then, instinctively, refrain from talking. They obviously want to speak so badly that what you have to say doesn't need to be heard.
... long awkward pauses follow. This actually makes a lot of sense to me in theory but practice is completely different.

Sadly, I haven't quite mastered this dance yet. So as of yesterday, I started explaining it to my Finnish friends, who had no idea that I had to actively try to follow in their steps. This way, we opened at least opened up the communication channels and when it happens from time to time, they are aware that I mean no disrespect. I even encouraged Jonne to cut me off yesterday!

I'm still working on it.

N.B. And I wanted to add that the reason, I think, Canadians tend to cut people off is sometimes because they listen actively. We want to show you that we're not just nodding our heads so we include comments such as: "Yeah, it was definitely good that you told her that." or whatever ... something that just says we're listening and agreeing with you. And I suppose sometimes we get really excited and go off on tangents "That is hilarious! It reminds me of the time..."