Entering a small elevator, especially if someone’s already inside: First “Bom dia/tarde/noite”, then “Posso?”
As you reach to press your button: “Com licença”
When exiting: another “Bom dia/tarde/noite”
It may sound too formal, but I’m firmly on the side of these small pleasantries. They’re the soft edges of a community… a small “price” to pay to stop a place from feeling like everyone’s just passing through each other. We’re wired for connection, after all.
Tbh I’ve said “bom dia” to more people in a month, in Portugal…. than I’ve done in 30 years in London.