Raised this way?
 

I was watching Extreme House makeover the other night, and yet again the parents are so fake happy, "so made", like "Ohhhhh my Goooddd, Wooooooooooooow". And the kids ofcourse look at their parents (or get raised that way) and act the same...

It actually starts with the hug when you meet somebody...

And the same when you enter a restaurant in the United States: "Hi my name is <name> and I'll be your waitress for tonight, if there's anything I can do for you, please let me know"

Or another example; in the supermarket: "Hi how are you today"

This may sound funny to you Americans, but here in Europe everything is much different. People would look very suprised if somebody would somebody would say something like that in the supermarket...Here its more like : Hi / bye.

I thought it was quite funny when you actually pay attention to it...

uh. yeah

Yeah my first time in America walking into a restaurant was very weird. Took me a while to get used to that fake politeness of the waiters. So overdone. Just be friendly and bring me my food, i dont need to know your name.

LOL why does it always have to be about America?

I remember I had this shit hole boss from Germany who yelled at me one day because we were passing through a hallway and I stepped out of the way and said "excuse me."

Started screaming about Americans and their fake apologies...LOL get a clue people it's just courtesy that is all...quit looking for some kind of hidden meaning in everything.

Huh? Because this happens in America. Thats why its about America.

god damn you euro pansies are a bunch of whiners...fuck...LOL

Its just that Americans are so used to it they don't actually notice it anymore, but for foreigners its kinda funny, thats what I was trying to say. Americans probably have the same ideas about some habits from Europeans (or Dutchies ;) )

America is the only place people greet with a hug?

Other countries don't greet with kisses?

Or handshakes?

What the fuck ever...

No one else says "Hi my name is..." anywhere else in the world?

LOL you guys are such fucking criers.

Yeah I hate fake friendliness that is scripted.. I generally don't even reply. I actually feel sorry for them.

Man, chill down, read platinumpimps last reply. Were not attacking.

You are missing the point once again :winkwink:

Let me clue you in ...it's not all fake.

I spent 7 years as a manager for Taco Bell and when people came in I smiled..I greeted them...some of my customers became my friends.

And another thing..what the fuck is wrong with customer service?

Why is it so wrong to try to make your customers feel comfortable?

This was one way I was able to grow the business of the stores I ran by going above and beyond what people expected...and that doesn't happen by shrugging and walking off when people come in...it happens by making people feel as if their business is important to you.

Europe - friends:
We shake hands/We greet eachother (hey wassup)/We give a kiss on the cheek.
America - friends: HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII how are you doing!!!! So nice to see you again *hug* *hug* *kiss* *kiss*

Europe - restaurant:
Hi, how can i help you? What would you like to drink?
America - Restaurant: HI how are you doing!!! My name is John, i'll be your waiter for the evening blah blah.

See what i mean?

Yeah basically what you are saying is.

Europe - keeping it real

America - faking it.

LOL get bent

Ok dont make me bitchslap you...you are missing the fucking point! This isnt about customer service, this is about pointing out the difference between Dutch (or european) waiters and American waiters. Were not saying you guys have lousy waiters with bad service.

Pffff

Why do you take it so personal Eros?

LOL and the big fucking difference is that someone in a grocery store in America says..."Hi how are you today," vs someone just saying "Hi." AND I'M QUOTING FROM ABOVE

LOL what the fuck is wrong with you guys?

We are keeping it real!

:glugglug

This is just the most stupid shit I've ever read...LOL

You Europeans really have some issues don't you?

I mean seriously like middle child syndrome type issues.

Hey, there's no need to insult man, I am just pointing out some facts. Making insults over the internet is quite easy, don't you think? :winkwink:

You really cant read can you?
THEY ARE NOT ATACKING YOU!!!!!!

Hehehe

This probably explains why so many Americans think Europeans are pricks. We're used to saying "excuse me", "hi how are you doing", etc. While apparently the Europeans aren't? So when they respond in their fashion, Americans think they're rude.

I always say "hi how are you" with a smile with my waiters, cashiers, or just somebody who may glance at me while being out. I don't see how that's odd or strange, it's just being nice and friendly, and it's also a great way to initiate conversation and make new friends.

Such a terrible thing!