My neighbors seem unfriendly - how do people in Portland get to know one another? (for sale, neighborhoods)

[EnricoV]

Originally Posted by NewtoSD?

I didn't like my experience with the population en masse. Like I said, the young people were real cool but I felt the social norms were way too uptight for my taste. For that reason I won't support thta city again with another tourist dollar.

You may not have liked your experience with those you met. Though I do have a hard time believing that you had an unpleasant experience with each and every person you either met or passed during your time in Portland. But you did not meet the population en masse. To the best of my knowledge, the population has never gathered together anywhere, en masse, in order for you to experience them.

And you're free not to come back. No one will force you. And we'll all (you included) probably be better off for it.

[jjpop]

Originally Posted by turquoise1

Minervah does make an excellent point, but the other point I see in this thread is an assertion that Pacific Northwestern culture tends to be more reserved than cultures in the rest of the country. As someone who has lived all over the country, I would back this assertion. Of course, you are free to disagree!

I totally agree with this. Every region is different--people here seem to have less of a need to really connect with everyone they cross paths with and seem satisfied to keep their range of friends narrow. I don't think this has to do with rudeness--it's more about the cultural norm.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by jjpop

I totally agree with this. Every region is different--people here seem to have less of a need to really connect with everyone they cross paths with and seem satisfied to keep their range of friends narrow. I don't think this has to do with rudeness--it's more about the cultural norm.

Perhaps this came about with the early Western settlers who wanted land and space and not be near neighbors as they were forced to be more and more with the growth of the larger Eastern cities. That's why they migrated to the West in the first place and their descendants followed that line of thinking. The Wild, Wild, West was always the place for the maverick, the individualist and the no-account sidewinder.

Some folks still try to uphold that tradition.

[NewtoSD?]

Originally Posted by hamellr

You were on a cell phone, in the Rose Gardens... wondering why people were giving you the stink eye about it?

Did you get the same reaction while walking down the street?

Kind of like if they were giving me the stink eye talking on the cell phone on the Golden Gate Bridge, or by the Washington Monument in DC? We're talking about an outdoor tourist attraction, right? LOL C'mon. Seriously.

I'm about out on the Portland topic LOL. Nice city but I probably won't be back. Just not into the cold fish/reserved however you want to decribe it thing.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by jjpop

I totally agree with this. Every region is different--people here seem to have less of a need to really connect with everyone they cross paths with and seem satisfied to keep their range of friends narrow. I don't think this has to do with rudeness--it's more about the cultural norm.

On the other side of it, people who act friendly with everyone will abandon their "friends" at the drop of a hat and move on. It's a symptom of urban anomie, not of friendliness. My friends are real friends, and the bonds last for decades. I can get together with people and have a good time, but I'm not going to allow them into my life just because they can tell a good joke.

[davemess10]

Originally Posted by NewtoSD?

Kind of like if they were giving me the stink eye talking on the cell phone on the Golden Gate Bridge, or by the Washington Monument in DC? We're talking about an outdoor tourist attraction, right? LOL C'mon. Seriously.

No! Those are not the same. We're talking about a serene garden/nature setting that is here specifically because of flowers. You're talking about huge man-made structures of steel and concrete. All tourists attractions are not equal. By that logic you could just gab on your cell phone at the holocaust memorial or the Vietnam wall. Those are both "tourist attractions", but not all attractions are created equal.

But it doesn't sound like you're going to get it.

[ramedud]

^What he said. It's about context. Generally if it's a quiet place it's not a good idea to use your cellphone. This isn't regulated to parks and monuments, take for example libraries and movie theaters... but people still talk on their phone. The point is one person can spoil the entire experience for everyone.

My advice to NewtoSD? (or OR?): be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Take a second to think before you talk on the phone. Is the occasion appropriate? Is it that pressing or important that you absolutely have to take the call? I doubt it... but if it is, make a beeline towards the souvenir shop or restroom and talk all you want over there.

[Deezus]

Portlanders unfriendly? No way--don't see it at all.

Now please get the hell off of my lawn!!

[pdxMIKEpdx]

But,,,,,But.....I have to cross it to scavenge your recycling bins for bottles and cans!

(While yakking on my cell phone)

[turquoise1]

Today some distant acquaintances of a friend of mine took it upon themselves to castigate her for not using a reusable Thermos for her daily Starbucks fix.

This is part of what I mean - some people have no problem criticizing your environmental awareness, but they don't stop to find out what your name is.

But in my opinion, just like it says at the Oregon Historical Center, Oregon is a place of contradictions. People want expensive social programs, but they don't want a sales tax. People are all "rah rah rah" about "community" but then they act like curmudgeons. This place has its own unique way of looking at things, its own modus operandi. It definitely had its charm (in spades) but certain factors can be an acquired taste, especially if you're an "outsider."