(no subject)

[dreamer_easy]

Whilst in the US I was sent on a mission to find a very specific pair of socks, visiting several stores in a mall in my ultimately unsuccessful quest. In each store, I was assisted by someone friendly and helpful, but was rather thrown by one chap talking on the phone to a friend as he sold me something (other than the socks), and a lady chewing gum while we talked. This would be unusual here in Oz - even unprofessional and rude. But because I saw a dozen sales people in a row, I got the impression that they weren't being rude at all, that this was quite normal, and they'd have been surprised and confused if I was offended. I'm always fascinated by the differences in culture between Australia, the US, and the UK, but have I got the wrong idea here?

(ETA: Mind you, surely it's rude in the US as well as here for a hotel receptionist to avoid eye contact, keep a blank face, and mumble? That was such an odd experience last year that I was almost frightened by it.)

Comments

[arjuna-lj.livejournal.com]

Hubby's strongest memory of US weirdity (visited for work a few times) is that when he said thank-you to people (waiters, receptionists, people in shops etc): "they looked at me as if I were completely mad".

He says he gave up doing it after a bit 'cos he felt so awkward.

[drhoz.livejournal.com]

that's sad :(

[lillibet.livejournal.com]

Hunh. I say thank you to people in those positions all the time and usually just get a smile. And that's here in famously unfriendly Boston. I wonder if they were just reacting to the accent, or something.

[gregmce.livejournal.com]

That's a very good point on the accent. I, too, always say please and thank you to people in those sorts of positions and likewise get a smile (or more) in return.

[jvowles.livejournal.com]

Ditto -- and I generally lack accent.

[fred-god-of.livejournal.com]

I always say thank you here in upstate New York, most people don't but I get a smile and a you're welcome not a confused face.