I think there is a different in English friendliness, and American friendliness, in shops. According to "Watching the English," a lot of American visitors to England find the English people they meet very cold, and find their reserve almost rude. ("I try to make conversation but they just give me the cold shoulder") At the same time, a lot of English people on holiday in America think that Americans are rude by being far more ready to talk about personal things with strangers. ("I've only just met him, and he's already telling me all about his messy divorce and asking me how much I earn!")
We are also quite a cynical bunch, too, so when we hear a bright "Have a nice day!" we tend to think, "Hmph! They don't mean it." If shop assistants start chatting to us about our holidays or our hair, or whatever, we might think, "How pushy! How rude!" (Hairdresser conversations are notorious for making people feel uncomfortable) So we expect a smile and politeness, but nothing more. When we get that more, we think it's superficial, false... or downright presumptious.
At least, that's my take on it, having read "Watching the English"
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Date: 2006-12-08 05:42 pm (UTC)We are also quite a cynical bunch, too, so when we hear a bright "Have a nice day!" we tend to think, "Hmph! They don't mean it." If shop assistants start chatting to us about our holidays or our hair, or whatever, we might think, "How pushy! How rude!" (Hairdresser conversations are notorious for making people feel uncomfortable) So we expect a smile and politeness, but nothing more. When we get that more, we think it's superficial, false... or downright presumptious.
At least, that's my take on it, having read "Watching the English"