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I haven't been to as many countries as most folks here, but these are my impressions from the few I have visited.
I take "friendly" in the American sense: willing to smile and engage with strangers. Of course everyone everywhere is friendly with their actual friends, so that doesn't count. Some cultures really seem to frown on any kind of warm interaction with strangers and even call it being fake. As an American, I don't feel that way. I consider people friendly if I can strike up a conversation in a public place such as waiting in line to buy something, without a formal introduction from someone who knows both of us.
So...friendly:
Mexicans and Guatemalans are very friendly
Brazilians, ditto.
South Africans.
Not so friendly:
Japanese. If you have an introduction or business to do with them, they will be very polite and helpful, but if you think they are your friends, you will be sadly mistaken. Even after weeks/months/years of interaction.
Germans, Austrians, Swiss. I'm sorry, but they just tend to be cold. I actually found the French warmer than the German-speaking peoples. My husband's father came from Germany and we have relatives there, so I know how fun and boisterous Germans can be, but unless you are family or have been friends since childhood, it's extremely hard to break in.
Just curious if other peoples experience of rude people or hospitable people in different countries is similar or different to mine. What are the friendliest countries you have been to in terms of openness and helpfulness and the unfriendliest countries.
I have found that if I am friendly and respectful, I receive that in return -- wherever I am.
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Originally Posted by masssachoicetts
Based on my travels, I also find Americans to be really friendly. Im from MA/NJ and if I visit SD, GA, TX, etc…. Its always a good experience.
It depends where you go in most countries, and there's usually a big difference between big cities and other areas,as well as a big urban and rural difference.
I haven't been to as many countries as most folks here, but these are my impressions from the few I have visited.
I take "friendly" in the American sense: willing to smile and engage with strangers. Of course everyone everywhere is friendly with their actual friends, so that doesn't count. Some cultures really seem to frown on any kind of warm interaction with strangers and even call it being fake. As an American, I don't feel that way. I consider people friendly if I can strike up a conversation in a public place such as waiting in line to buy something, without a formal introduction from someone who knows both of us.
So...friendly:
Mexicans and Guatemalans are very friendly
Brazilians, ditto.
South Africans.
Not so friendly:
Japanese. If you have an introduction or business to do with them, they will be very polite and helpful, but if you think they are your friends, you will be sadly mistaken. Even after weeks/months/years of interaction.
Germans, Austrians, Swiss. I'm sorry, but they just tend to be cold. I actually found the French warmer than the German-speaking peoples. My husband's father came from Germany and we have relatives there, so I know how fun and boisterous Germans can be, but unless you are family or have been friends since childhood, it's extremely hard to break in.
Canadians. Polite but not friendly.
On the flip side though cultures where people make small talk with strangers also tend to be in your business. If you like being left alone then Japan is good for that. Only they won't help you if you're in trouble. Looks like there is a huge difference between friendliness and politeness, and they don't always go together.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brave New World
It depends where you go in most countries, and there's usually a big difference between big cities and other areas,as well as a big urban and rural difference.
Especially in a country the size of the US. The different states and regions are almost like the different countries of the world.
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Originally Posted by SEAandATL
Especially in a country the size of the US. The different states and regions are almost like the different countries of the world.
Totally Agree - although other countries also have a lot of notable differences especially in relation to friendliness and interactions with strangers, which can vary a lot depending on the regional culture, geography in terms of rural or urban or other such similar factors.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Luisito80
The U.S is both the friendliest and unfriendliest country I have ever been to.
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