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Bywater t1_iqsmn8f wrote

That's just New England, Maine in particular. You are under no obligation to smile, make small talk or blow smoke up each others asses with stupid chatter while in line waiting for something. I love it, but I hate that fake shit so I am for sure biased.

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Upstairs_Ad_4855 t1_iqtlh4y wrote

In my experience people are much more likely to be friendly, chat or wave here than in, say, NYC. That said, I hear women doesn’t like being told to smile more, so maybe don’t feel entitled to that I do find people are friendlier to me when I myself am smiling and friendly.

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BuddyBear17 OP t1_iqsp7dd wrote

Is it fake? Or is it just a basic social nicety and lubricant that can make one's day just a tiny increment better and brighter?

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Bywater t1_iqt0f94 wrote

It's fake. Presenting emotions that you do not feel to affect the emotions of others, even if it's to brighten their day, is disingenuous. Just get the "Mainer Nod" down, little reverse nod raise of the chin. Acknowledges that they are there respectfully without indulging in some small talk song and dance.

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BuddyBear17 OP t1_iqt7pui wrote

This is where we part ways culturally, I think. But I do know a few ethnic Russians and other eastern Europeans who are just like this, and the "nod" + stoic facial expressions/mannerisms must be a cold climate European stock thing.

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