Happier Abroad Forum Community

Quite a few Americans / Canadians believe that when a stranger talks to them, they must be asking for some kind of help. When I say "Hi", they reply with "may I help you?" or "what do you want?" instead of a normal "how are you doing?" I find it extremely strange and unfriendly. I encounter this even in online gaming. Like, is there a set of rituals that you most follow before approaching someone? I know almost everyone around my block in Beijing, while I don't even know who I have as next door neighbors in Vancouver.

Yes I agree. Anglo people only talk when they want something from you.

Any time Americans approach me to speak I assume they want either my money or my soul for Jesus. I reach for my wallet before they even arrive, and get out the usual dollar donation.

It typically takes only a few weeks abroad for this cynicism to abate, and healthier assumptions about people's motives to form.