My description was a generalization of people I met all over texas. Salt of the earth? IF that means friendly “neighborly” I will agree. But that is about the deepest most people get in relationships. There tends to be a taboo about what goes on behind closed doors. You can be sickningly sweet on the outside but don’t reveal what your family is really like. It is really freaking sick. I suspect you know exactly what I am talking about. Appearances are a much higher value than authenticity and honesty. It is so ingrained in the culture that to be forthright and glib is considered rude and improper.
That is why you see those stats not just in the DFW region. If you do not value putting your time and effort into having authentic deep relationships then Texas is the place to be. If that is the kind of life/ relationships people choose that is fine. Just don’t expect people to pretend that it is healthy and normal just because people don’t call you on it.
I have received plenty of private responses that confirm others have experienced the same.
I don’t take this conversation personal but I do have family & friends in the DFW area. I also will travel on biz a few times a year around Texas.
I guess I’m fortunate to have either not meet any of the people you described or they were real good at hiding the evil you suggest.