I once heard a couple of people who had lived both in NY and California say that if you weren’t exactly welcome, a New Yorker would invite you to lunch, make it short and leave. A Californian would invite you too to lunch but then stay the entire time and just ignore you.
>>”But don’t expect a “HI”, “How are you?” “Can I help you find anything?” at the local grocery store. You’ll be lucky if they even look up or if they count your change back to you rather than just dump it in your hand”<<
That’s how the average Australian does it too in Sydney or Melbourne, unless they know you.
New York, New York... so good they named it 2ice!
When I lived in S. Calif, I kept asking myself, “Are these people all on drugs?” They have the slowest cashiers I have ever seen, and they’ll stop checking your order to show someone else their new shoes & then discuss the great sale and price they paid, while you’re just standing there.
Cashiers here are usually quick (unless it’s a man), polite, and you’re always greeted asked “How are you?” “Were you able to find everything you needed?” and at the end of ringing up your groceries “Do you need any stamps or ice?” Your change is always counted. Then you’re asked if you need any help out to your car.
I guess I’m spoiled.