Americans expect communication to carry warmth. Smile. Make eye contact. Begin interactions with friendly greetings.
Express interest in others. Create positive atmosphere through your manner and tone. This warmth is expected even in brief or transactional exchanges—with store clerks, colleagues passing in hallways, or people you’re meeting for the first time.
The absence of warmth is noticeable and may be read as coldness, unfriendliness, or hostility. This doesn’t mean every interaction requires deep emotional connection—much American warmth is ritual rather than deeply felt. But the ritual matters. Going through the motions of friendliness creates a baseline positive atmosphere. Americans feel comfortable in warm environments and uncomfortable when that warmth is absent.
Comments