Do not hold a door open for a Finn

Never hold a door open for someone in Finland. No, that's not quite right; it just may seem that way at first. Just don't make it obvious. Finns are attentive in social situations when several people are going one after the other through a public door. But there is a Finnish way of not acknowledging fellow door users. In Helsinki, it is very acceptable to delay a door for someone else. In fact, just like in the states, it would be considered rude to go through a door and let it close upon a person following you. However, in Helsinki, you should never acknowledge the person walking behind you through the door. No turn of the head is allowed. This is not the United States, after all. Do not even consider fleeting eye contact unless you wish to be mistaken for a simpleton who lacks social skills and does not respect the privacy of others. Maybe an American. You somehow have to know when a person is walking behind you (the Finns seem to have this power) so that when you go through a door, you swing the door open a bit wider or let go of the door a bit later so that it is still somewhat open for your follower. It takes some practice. After I tired of the surprise of Finns after they noticed I slowed down, held the door, and nearly looked at them, I began to practice this procedure. It is all in the physics:

1. Plot the trajectories of all people walking around you so that you know with your special radar when one might closely follow you through a door. You may have to predict several possible patterns.
2. Determine your speed and the speed of your nearest follower. Age and weight are factors.
3. Adjust your speed accordingly so that you go quickly through the door without having to keep it open for a follower -- or, if this strategy fails, slow down discreetly so that you cross the doorway and masterfully swing the door so that a follower does not have to start from scratch to open it.
4. If you have gone through this door before, you have the advantage of knowing the door's weight and closing speed. No need to guess. Add this knowledge to your equation.

Of course, in the states, not acknowledging a fellow door user is considered boorish. American strangers often become best friends based on door interactions. In Helsinki, if you hold a door open for a person and acknowledge that person, you have done a very, very special favor. That person becomes somewhat embarrassed by your extravagant gesture and at a loss as to how to return the favor. Please be kind to Finns: do not put them in awkward situations by practicing American door etiquette on them. Even if you do not acknowledge a fellow Finnish door user for whom you have delayed the door, listen carefully. You will most often hear a very nice "Kiitos" (Thank you) directed your way in a subtle -- but grateful -- voice. Your gesture has been appreciated, and a subtle social pact maintained.