In the UK, the extent to which people smile at their neighbors can vary based on several factors, including cultural norms, individual personalities, and the specific neighborhood or community.
Generally, the UK is known for having a culture that values politeness and maintaining a certain level of distance and privacy with neighbors. In some areas, people might be more reserved and less likely to initiate interactions with strangers or acquaintances, including neighbors. This reserved behavior can sometimes be mistaken as unfriendliness, but it is often a cultural norm.
However, in smaller communities or more rural areas, people might be more familiar with their neighbors, and friendliness and smiling could be more common. In these places, there might be a stronger sense of community, and people are more likely to interact with those living nearby.
In urban settings and larger cities, where people often lead busier lives and may not know their neighbors well, the level of interaction and smiling could be less frequent.
It's important to remember that individual personalities also play a significant role. Some people are naturally more outgoing and friendly, while others may be more introverted or reserved. So, the frequency of smiling at neighbors can vary significantly from person to person.
Overall, while smiling at neighbors might not be as common or expected as in some other cultures, politeness and respect for others are generally valued in the UK. If you find yourself in a neighborhood where people seem reserved, it doesn't necessarily mean they are unfriendly, but rather, it might be a reflection of the cultural norms and individual personalities in that area.