Quote:
Originally posted by bilqis:
Wow! I'm flattered!  That means a lot coming from someone who I respect for his intelligence, wit, and ability to communicate his thoughts as well as you do. And I like to think I'm not the 'typical American'. 
DISCLAIMER: No insult, implied or otherwise, to anyone who feels they are a typical American. Sorry if I offended anyone. 
Seriously tho, I agree about small talk. Minnesota is known for being "nice". Minnesota-Nice is actually a phrase used here a lot in both a positive and negative way. Positive being as you said, that people are friendlier in all public situations. One comment many Americans make about some places around the globe is that people/clerks/waiters etc are so rude. What I believe they are noticing tho, is what you just stated about cultural differences in small-talk.
The negative side of "Minnesota-Nice" is that people are so 'nice' that they won't tell you when they're unhappy about something, or voice a contrary opinion to your face, but will go around slamming it behind your back. You 'just don't say anything that might hurt anyone', is the prevailing attitude. Very sad. I made a concious decision at an early age to not be that way. Not that I seek out things to say to hurt people!! LOL Just that I think it's ok when people have opposing opinions. Doesn't make us enemies. We're all entitled to our own views.
I only ask people how they are if I want to know and I'm ready to give a genuine answer back. And if I say I'm fine, then I'm either really fine, or there's just too much to tell someone at the moment. LOL
Sorry I missed this earlier.. hope you catch it! 
Thanks again for your kind words.
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Whose turn is it now to say: "Wow, I am flattered !" and to blush?
I won't go into much detail on the things you write, other than to say that I understand your observations and share your sentiments, as I spent most of the day on Reeka's thread and am mentally drained and as I have just been told off by Yorick and accused of "America-bashing" - and I for sure have no intention to become a "habitual offender".
Not that I saw much reason for that happening here.
I hope next time we "meet" I'll be back at full strength.
Thanks for all !
LW is back ? Yipee !
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So long !
R³ - Co-president(s) of the Club of Broken Hearts