Bonjour: why saying ‘hello’ is so important in France 

No way am I saying hello to everyone in a crowded elevator

Flo will be my WIfe.

It's the same in Québec, but we're usually more discreet in elevators where a simple acknowledgement (a nod and a smile) will usually suffice. One think that really grates though is this "bon matin" anglicism that has crept into media lingo, reinforcing its use in the population. I wish Flo would have touched on that.

That's true.

Some form of greeting is important in every culture. Its ridiculous how the French present themselves as if certain things only they have, like table manners as well, and the like. A very comical snobbery. BTW, Eastern cultures generally don't use the handshake or other forms of physical contact, which can be preferable.

I dont care