Is your cup half-full or half-empty?

[mbarker]

The other day during a discussion where the other person was telling me that America is drowning in paranoia, I happened to mention something that I observed over several years visiting America

Comments

[origa]

Good morning to you, Mr. mbarker :)

America? You have not seen Russian streets & people! That's where a real paranoia thrives... I am Russian, a naturalized American now -- was born and lived in Russia for 43 years before having moved here. What overwhelmed me the most in this country was that Americans smile at each other on the streets - stores - anywhere simply when they look at each other -- it's like an instinct! They smile at neighbors, and always say "Hi, how are you" and such -- something that you don't see in Russia most of the time! There is a HUUUUUGE difference between Americans and Russian in the way they generally look at, approach to, and treat each other. Even today, many years later, I still can see very distinctly this difference (I visit Russia sometimes).

Everything is knowable to us by means of comparison...

[mbarker]

That's my impression, too, that Americans are generally more open and friendly -- willing to smile and say something to strangers -- than most Europe or Asian countries I have visited.

Thanks!

[mbarker]

Yep. As Peter Pan advised us long ago, "You gotta believe." And I'm still likely to clap my hands.