A Canadian Standoff.

A situation in which both parties are too nice to let themselves win at the other’s expense. The opposite of a Mexican Standoff.

For example, if two Canadians arrive simultaneously at a narrow doorway, each is likely to stand aside and invite the other to cross first, and so on, until they both give up, set up camp for the winter, and offer each other a beer.

Canadian Standoff’s are more prevalent during the Holidays, as stores are more crowded, in which large groups of people will stand at the front doors, all shouting, “After you, I insist.” until people decide to give in and leave, or they die of starvation, provided there isn’t a Tim Horton’s within the immediate vicinity.