On 1/6/2017 10:42 PM, Sqwertz wrote:
> On Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:12:21 -0500, jmcquown wrote:
>
>> On 1/6/2017 9:21 PM, sf wrote:
>>>
>>> Often. Sometimes it's culturally based, but it's definitely more
>>> common outside large urban areas. I was brought up in the country and
>>> have no problem striking up a conversation with the person behind me
>>> in line. I'm always surprised (but not offended) when someone strikes
>>> up a conversation with me, because it's behavior that's out of the
>>> social norm for this particular area.
>>>
>> sf, I don't think you realize how snobbish that sounds. It's outside
>> the "social norm for this particular area"? To do what? Strike up
>> conversation with someone? What the heck is the social norm in your
>> area? Everyone in line should remain silent?
>
> I was in culture shock when I moved from Suburban Pennsylvania to the
> San Francisco Bay Area. I quickly learned that you can't be as
> friendly as you could in PA. When striking up a conversation with a
> stranger, they either look at you strange/annoyed, don't even speak
> the same language, or they might think you're form a different planet.
> There are so many different lifestyles, religions, nationalities, and
> personal phobias that you have about an 7% chance of starting a
> cordial/brief conversation *if* you choose wisely. And that included
> work and school. And that was before cell-phones (now people just
> stare into those and avoid all conversation).
>
> I didn't think what she said was snobbish. And that carries a lot of
> weight coming from me :-)
>
> -sw
>
Perhaps I misinterpreted. I guess I have never lived anywhere it was
*not* "the norm" for someone to be polite and say hello. Especially if
you're standing in a checkout line for a while. It doesn't mean you
have to get into an extended conversation with anyone. It's not a
social commitment.

Jill