In the States, I was taught its polite to say hi and smile when passing by or making eye contact with someone. I feel like when I move to Korea it will be hard to not do that. Lol. I don't want people to think I'm trying to recruit them or start a fight. 😂
In the US, it depends on where you live. The more rural, middle of the country, the more small talk. Big cities can be gruffer, but even in NY you get small talk from extroverts.
@@Singulitarian I agree. I'm closer to NY city. People are more to themselves but as soon as you hit Staten Island or even most places in NJ, people are more "approachable". Lol
Champion Spanky732 I’m from a Colorado, but live in rural area. There’s definitely small talk, smiling, and waving, at strangers here. Like you feel like this will be hard not to do so much in Korea lol.
**See's thumbnail** Ah, yes. Asians find it weird that I wear my Captain America costume in elevators all the time. They just don't understand my hobbies.
American small talk often ends without even learning the other person’s name or any other identifiable information. So it’s like having an anonymous conversation where you can genuinely unload your present feelings and reactions. These types of conversations are really common while traveling. I chatted with people for a couple hours while waiting for a plane, learning all about their life and plans and family but never learning their name. Or the same on an airplane going half way around the world. I think the fact that you will likely never meet this person again is freeing so people open up in unexpected ways. This is not just an American habit either. Most of these “small talk” sessions were cross-cultural or inter-generational. I’ve had it with plenty of Koreans in Korea too. So even your stereotypes of your own culture are just that, stereotypes.
And if Americans are great at small talk, try Canada - even more so in smaller communities. People are really friendly and expect that you will becomes their community member in some small way soon, so they just treat you like you already moved to town.
Actually... that's not always the case... like it's not very awkward if you are in a black hoodie and jeans and have ur hood up. Because then nobody notices you.. learned from experience... just hide in the shadows lol Well I'm also 13 and 5'6 so that might be part of it... and everyone thinks I'm mad at them when I look at them...
Doesn't Matter it didn’t expect that to go the way it did hahaha true though I mean being young will make less people talk to you either because they can’t be bothered or don’t want to be labeled as a pedo Honestly, the stereotype I get about other people who wear all black with a hoodie up (usually who are older - maybe out of college and up) is that they’re a shady character (quite literally) Personally, if someone looks at me and they don’t smile or show any outwardly neutral body language at least, I immediately think “yeah of course- they hate me and think I look like trash. If I look at them too long they might try to harm me. Are they watching me with bad intentions? Something on my face or something? I wish I were not here now...” [must add, you’ve partially emphasized my shortness to myself, although it’s not much of an age difference - I’m still only between 5’3” and 5’4” (in the ballpark of 163cm)] :0
@@bonyeni , FRSSSSS Its so awkward and at some point threatening when they stare with a straight face. Especially bc some ppl have a roasting b face when they don't smile. Smiling is just showing friendliness not "I like you and like being with you" type of manner. However. I think there is a certain way we smile when it comes to strangers. Now that I think about it, I've made a lot of small talk with strangers since a young age🤣🤣🤣 I was just reminiscing it all bc I remembered the look in my dad's face when I walked out of a place with new people while just casually speaking to them as if we knew each. I'm even better than him at it😂 I guess I had to brag a little and no body really cares but idc~😜
Jungshook for jungkook yeah I have social anxiety too. But I keep commenting on social media all day long :3 and I'm also jungkshook for jungkook too😂😂
Hahaha...yeah, we’re totally busted. 😂🤣 In the USA we make small talk with anyone and everyone. Especially in the South. It’s just so normal here that, to us, it feels kind of awkward to NOT make small talk. In reality I have never met someone through small talk and then became good friends with them. But this vlog does explain why the two Koreans in Disney World that my daughter and I made small talk with looked like they wanted to crawl into a hole to get away from us. 🤣😂🤣😂 It wasn’t awkward for us at all. 🤣 We might have traumatized them. 😞 Sorry, Korean strangers. We, at least, enjoyed talking to you. 😍
Such an interesting topic. I am an American and my hubby is Korean. I grew up with small talk being the norm and my hubby, not at all. In the early days of our relationship, I did not understand so much why he didn't appear friendly to "strangers" (grocery clerks, people waiting in line for an event, etc) After being together for 23 years, I get it. These type of topics can be very helpful to bicultural friendships and relationships! Way to go Rachel!!
I've heard stories of people who were about to do bad things, like shoot up a building or commit suicide , who decided not to because a stranger was nice to them moments before. And in my opinion small talk can be used as an important information gathering time, stuff like, friend or foe, do I like this person enough to save them if we were attacked, would they help me? Silence to us Is like, " what is this stranger planning on murdering me with I wonder" . So yea small talk is more comfortable lol.
Last summer, on vacation with my Korean girlfriend, she said I was like traveling with her grandmother because I would talk to people. If we rode an elevator with strangers and I didn't say anything, later she would tease me and ask why didn't I get their phone number? BUT!!! I was the one who found all the coolest things to do and how to get the best prices and by the time we left one of our hotels we were part of a circle of foreigners who were all good friends doing activities and eating together... She loved it! (but it's still only my job to talk to stranger)
Man, if you’re only talking about Pennsylvania, don’t ever go to Texas or the south in general. Even as an American, when I moved there, I also felt uncomfortable with the amount of small talk that would happen everywhere!
Omgg I’m from Texas and I never really thought we Texans make so much small talk!! I guess it’s just a habit or instinct like whenever we make eye contact we smile and say hey or when we feel uncomfortable with strangers we start talking to make it go away or even when you just see an approachable person or see they’re for example buying a product you’re a fan of... gee we DO make quite a bit of small talk..... lol
@@dani._.2000 Southern hospitality lol. Honestly I love it. Sure some interactions are forced and sometimes you want to be left alone but there have been too many times when a simple greeting or small talk moment ended up leading to a friendship.
I normally only speak when spoken to. I don't start the conversations, but I can hold my own once in them. Also, it's funny that you mention the lighting, because I noticed the old lighting but didn't want to say anything. But then it looked better so I figured you just fixed it. Ha! Good job!
Omg same, my mom does that too and I just recently went to Mexico to visit my family over there for the first time and I realized everyone was so talkative even more then me ir My family😂 I thought I was the only one like that😂, lol😂😂
Hello from Texas! Where small talk is expected. My mother was a master at remarks that made people laugh and put them at ease. As long as you stay away from personal subjects, you are golden. Weather is an easy one because, here, it likes to surprise us and always has us shaking our heads in amusement or dismay.
I am a total conversationalist!!! Awkward is not in my vocabulary haha! I love people and talking to them because I've noticed it's so easy to make someone happy just by smiling or pointing out something nice about them. Also, in women's defense classes, I was taught that if you address someone- even if you just nod and say hello to them -it's making you seem more confident and less like someone who could be victimized. So I rarely have zero interaction with strangers. I plan on visiting Korea for an extended period so I better get my ish together!
I’m American, and I also love small talk. I do feel more comfortable when there’s an interaction. I think that’s what white suburban American Northwest can do to you...
I was raised to help others and be polite at all times even out of the presence of my family. some times I find it better to not get in the way of others because sometimes I just feel its not my place to intrude. Dont get me wrong I have had my FAIR share of awkward small talk but sometimes people have started nice and caring conversations with me. I find that its more the older generation now that start conversations. I'm often praised (as a young person) by many older ones when they see me making an effort to help or start a conversation with them.
I noticed that in Korea when walking around. Everyone tends to keep to themselves around people they don’t know. In the US it is considered polite to open and hold the door for other people. Koreans look at me funny when I would hold the door for them but I know it isn’t something they are used to. It is interesting how different our cultures are.
It depends.. I find some people are really good at small-talk and others just make awkward remarks .. But if someone's good at small-talk i feel like it instantly makes the situation more comfortable
If it's not obvious that they don't actually give a crap.... those are the people you're talking about. It's still uncomfortable to me, but less than an encounter with 2 people that suck at faking small talk. I'm one of those, myself
I think it definitely depends where you go in America, small talk is more common in rural states and communities while it’s not as common in big cities. I hate small talk, I prefer to keep my (friendly) distance from strangers. Loved the video, you’re so cute and I love the new lighting!! ❤️❤️
Here, in Israel, we have small talk like everyday. I think sometimes it's more awkward not to talk in some situations...and even we can give a hug for goodbye after a small talk :)
One time, i was in the tram standing normally, there were some girls from high school sitting and holding Arabic books they have to study, and there was an old woman next to them so she heard them talking, the woman talked to them and said that she was an Arabic teach, she started to ask them some questions in grammar and stuff it was like a small test to improve them and the whole people in the tram were watching and every one who was a high school student jumped into the talk and all the women who have children or know some one who is a high school student got the old woman's phone number in case they needed her, it's a very normal thing here in Egypt people talk about everything thing ever if it's personal to strangers and it's very acceptable, tbh this makes me feel warm in the inside to talk to everyone it feels like all the people are a huge family
I'm in East Texas, although Americans have similar behavior countrywide a lot of states have their own personalities so to speak. Most Texans have half hand wave when you pass someone in your car, esp if you know them. I personally have perfected the 1/2 smile, for strangers, ones I pass in the stores but not always on the street depends on the general safety-ness vibe. This 1/2 smile shows no teeth but has corners of the mouth go up with eye contact. But I get talk makes it better in certain situations, better than cold silence. Feel free not to make small talk or eye contact when you dont want to, it is not considered rude 95% of the time. Only when you are meeting that stranger for some reason is it considered rude. I esp make small talk if the situation throws us together such as a super long line at the store. But it is also based on the vibe off the other person, do they look interesting, is the situation where making quirky small jokes of our common plight would make the situation a tad better... Most Southern states have a general thought that you make eye-contact most of the time, esp the elders. A woman alone must be mindful who they make eye contact when it comes to men it could be perceived as I am into you. But woman to woman 99% time it's just a very mild sign that you acknowledge they exist.
Greetings from a fellow Texan. I agree with this. I try to at least nod or smile...but I live in Houston and a lot of people don't respond. Maybe transplants.
Ms Kim your video was an excellent exploration of the differences in cultural norms and behaviors. Speaking as a Canadian born & bred and especially a Torontonian (Toronto is the city I grew up in) I suggest we are a little more reserved than our American friends, neighbors and family. Best example is taking public transit like the subway. Torontonians are notorious for never making eye contact with the other passengers, even when we are packed in together like a tin of sardines. Subway ads even mock us for the practice, suggesting that their advertisements can help keep us from looking at our fellow riders! Visitors from small towns often remark how snooty Torontonians are because of our reserved demeanor. Still catching up on your videos here. So far each one has been delight! 🤔👍🏻💛🎤🎧🇰🇷🇨🇦
I hate small talking but I love smiling to strangers but most definitely when they smile back cuz it’s like they except you. It’s like you say to them (with a smile) that I think it’s great you exist and you should have a good life so if they don’t smile back you don’t really feel excepted by people. That’s how it is for me and my friends at least💜🙃
I've lived in the US for my entire life and I always feel awkward when a stranger starts talking to me. I never start small talk, but if someone starts talking to me, I'm polite and answer in some way...but it's still awkward! I'm more often likely to smile back at a person passing me in the street. If I do someday get to visit Korea (something I'm going to really try to save money for) I won't have a problem not talking to strangers. Smiling though...that'll be harder to avoid. It's just instinct! I want to be nice to people! And spread happiness and joy! Lol.
I’m from the US. I live in LA. I work in customer service. I’m paid to make small talk for half the day, and then everyone makes small time with me as the customer the minute I’m off work (the uber driver, the lady who rings me up at the grocery store, the bartender, the sales clerk.) I can’t be bad at small talk. My life literally depends on it. It’s not allowed 😂😂😂
Hahaha, yeah, Americans love making friends. You should meet my grandmother, she will greet strangers as if they are old friends. One time this happened: Grandmom (to some strangers): Hello! How is everything going? Me: Grandmom, do you know those people? Grandmom: I’ve never seen them before in my life! My grandmother is the Matriarch of the Extroverts. She will also make you feel loved within seconds of meeting her
I don't really enjoy small talk even though I have a natural talent with it but I do think a polite smile and greeting are essential if you are going to be sharing space with a stranger... You never know what that person has been going through that day and someone being polite could be the best thing that happened to them all day... Also remember, all of your friends used to be strangers too 👍
I am lithuanian and when i moved to uk there was that weird talk with a stranger that i found awkward because we lithuanians don't usually do it (small talk) in our country as well. 😂😂 your videos are so relatable sometimes 👌
I always found small talk to be awkward and uncomfortable and I was always bad at it. But after living in Korea for so long sometimes I miss it. One benefit of small talk is when you go out somewhere where the people around you likely have something in common with you like at a concert for example it's a good way to meet new people and potentially make new friends.
Well, if I come across you Rachel and I try to say hi, it will definitely be because I'm into you (Lol). Great video. For me, because Im genuinely a super friendly person, I enjoy meeting people and trying to be friends. For me its more awkward when people are unfriendly sometimes. Nothing worse than saying "hi" to someone warmly only to have them look away or not respond....now THATS awkward..lol :-)
As an American who has a hard time with small talk, I get what you mean. Strangers sometimes think I dislike them because I prefer to give people space. It's great when you come across someone else like that though, because while everyone else expects small talk, that person doesn't want it any more than you do. You aknowledge each other with a slight smile or a nod and thats enough.
I'm from seattle, WA, so it's often a similar mentality amongst native Seattleites! We don't really engage with strangers and opt to give space as well, which has given Seattle natives the "Seattle freeze" label, and leads people to think we're often unapproachable lol but that's just our way of being respectful most of the time XD usually, if I'm randomly engaged by a stranger on the bus, or in a waiting room, 98% of the time (I jest not) they are a transplant from another state, or another country lol
lol, I was buying a can of beans this past winter near a woman looking at beans. The next thing my daughter sees is me giving this stranger the instructions for making chili🤣 I can’t help it, she asked. My daughter doesn’t understand how I “get myself into these situations”. 😬 To me, eye contact, smiles and small talk are ways to validate another person’s humanity because you might be the only person that day to acknowledge them nicely or be an encouragement. I feel awkward and embarrassed when I smile at someone walking down a hallway and they avoid eye contact and avoid acknowledging my existence. I think why can’t they give a tiny smile or a slight head nod? My daughter doesn’t like this type of interactions due to anxiety so I get that aspect of it, but still I like a nod or smile 😁
I've lived in the US my whole life and I've always hated small talk. I'm super awkward and I don't like talking to people I don't know. On top of that, I work in customer service. Just the other day, I was getting my car worked on and was in the waiting room for 3 hours and this older guy started talking to me. And I felt really awkward and a bit uncomfortable, but it's the polite thing here to talk to people so I was stuck telling this random person stuff about my life.
This actually makes me a little nervous about my trip to Korea. I am soo excited to experience everything. Food.. culture.. meeting people..I am not loud but when I am nerdy excited I can be overly chatty. I will be the weird awkward American ajumma. I guess that won’t to different than in American were I am the nerdy awkward chick that knows obscure facts abt Korea and owns 100 nerd Tshirts.. and gets too chatty with anyone who recognizes my latest Kdrama/pop or syfy reference. 🙄
Hey Rachel! I'm from Germany and we don't do smalltalk either. It is considered to be very awkward when a stranger talks to you. Except if they are asking for the way. People we know from work usually get a little smile when we pass them, but if a stranger smiles at you it is considered to be creepy.
You did a great job small talking about your new lighting!😂 I think part of the foundation of this cultural phenomenon may be encapsulated in Louis Armstrong’s singing of “A Wonderful World.” It’s about making connections and overcoming fear... of the unknown.
In Sweden people do the avoiding thing where you keep to yourselves but sometimes when in the same space depending on if you are more in the north vs south or city vs small town you might get more polite conversations to ease tension. When I moved to the US I had no idea why my social anxiety was so awful and not until I started to get good at socializing did I realize that it was a culture difference I wasn't aware of. Sweden is full of introvert behaviors and America is full of extrovert behaviors pretty much!
Rachel, look at it this way, your best friend was once a stranger, everyone you know how were strangers. We Americans make small to avoid awkward silence like when standing in a line of your example of being in an elevator.
In the US in a big city, we usually do not even make eye contact and ignore each other. A small town is all Hi's and smiles. I am 64 years old so I DO like small talk. You know the old "Life is short" saying is quite true *S*
Sometimes small talk can be awkward but I think it greatly depends on who you are talking to. Most times I think it feels more like a natural conversation instead of being "forced".
I'm an American, and small talk is definitely one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it. So much. My mom always gets on to me about it, saying I need to learn to like it and be friendlier. But the nice thing is, I'm going to Korea very soon and I won't have to. xD
It's definitely extremely awkward but it is better than just sharing awkward glances and being tense next to each other. I find sometimes it may be uncomfortable but then as the conversation goes on, you can really get to know each other. Even if it's only for a few minutes. Then, you can smile and go about your day.
In my country it's the same as in Korea. There are some old people, who would talk to strangers but for others it's pretty weird (especially for young generation)
I'm from the USA, being raised as an Air Force Brat ( moving around a lot) I think it depends on what region you live in, the size of the community, and also if it's a community with a high percentage of new residents people seem to be more friendly.
American and I hate small talk, I live close to Memphis, TN. We have "drop ins" where a friend just shows up to visit. When this happens the proper thing to do is offer them iced tea sweet, if you are planning to stay long enough they will say "lets open a keg of nails" it means snacks. Leaving after snacks you say " Y'all be safe driving home." Our dialect is different and our customs are different than anywhere else in America. I love your show keep em coming.
At my job (I work in a hospital in America) we have a 10-5-2 rule. Within 10 feet you make eye contact, within 5 feet you smile, and within 2 feet you say hello. It is company policy. And if management catches you in the halls ignoring people you get spoken to. Just imagine having to deal with that with every single employee you pass lol
pierusofpella I’m not saying it’s a bad policy I am saying that for someone who is not used to that kind of social interaction that it would be awkward and overwhelming. Kind of the point of this video. Showing how Americans go out of their way to smile and be polite to strangers.
I'm from Russia and we don't have small talks culture here. Even a smile from a stranger can be weird. The only thought that I have (and people I know have it too) is "What do you want from me?" 😅
Nice video! I live in the us in new york state and small talk is much more common in smaller communities not bigger cities. If you walk down nyc streets most people will not make small talk with you
The degree and initation of 'small talk' varies by region, situation and even persons in the U.S. In the south (where the words sir &, ma'm float around casually and consistently) it's much more prevelant on the whole. It's part of the "good ole southern hospitality" and is thought to be welcoming. Once eye contact is made a "Good Morning, how are you today, crazy weather we're having isn't it!" Statement is pretty common. Avoiding eye contact and not acknowledging your 'neighbor' might even be considerd rude or disrespectful. In Korea I imagine it would be as similair as greeting one of your elders casually and dropping all levels of honorifics.
In Denmark its polite to smile if you catch the eye of a stranger but if someone comes up and starts talking to me i assume theyre crazy lol:D but yeah i noticed in Korea that people dont smile to strangers but i thought it was just because i was a foreigner:/
love the new lighting setup, it is awesome that you are always looking to improve the quality of your videos via content or setup. As far as small talk, I am more like you and find it awkward. I tend to become a chatter box after I am more comfortable with a person. Thanks for the awesome video 😁
I'm American... I hate small talk and talking to strangers. It makes me feel very uncomfortable. It is a stranger, forcing an interaction onto me, and I don't know them or care what they have to say really. So, when I'm walking down the street, I avoid eye contact with everyone. Giving eye contact seems to invite them to interact with me. Same with smiling. If it's unavoidable, I'll smile at them, but only a small smile... not a big, open smile. I save those for people I care about. People here, in the states, feel obligated to interact with each other if they're in the same vicinity.... or in the same line. It's like the fact that we're walking on the same sidewalk gives us enough in common to interrupt each other's day. It's rude, in my opinion. But....I have pretty bad shyness and social anxiety, so it could just be that I'm the weird one hahaha
It definitely depends where you are. In Florida, it’s weird for small talk in an elevator, at least for me. People look at you differently when you talk to a stranger in general here. It’s all about where you live. And you didn’t need the lighting, your personality and smile are bright enough 😁
I had a Korean girl as my roommate in college and she was cool and eager to do new things and go interesting places. In our second year, I fell in love with her in part because her mom loved me! More than a decade later, I still think about her every single day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
See I’m from the south and around here we greet most people, sometimes even strangers with a smile and small talk. And I’ve found that we don’t know what personal boundaries are. We’ll tell you all the town gossip and ask all sorts of questions about you and end it with a hug and well wishes, and probably some sort of food. But we mean well. So I know when I start traveling to other countries I’m going to have to look more into their individual social norms so I don’t freak anybody out or make them uncomfortable or start a fight lmao
So I live in Switzerland and in small cities people loooove small talk, like when walking through a village we even wish a goodmorning to literally everyone we meet, but I just HATE IT !! pls let me alone in my corner and don't talk to me bc I'm gonna end up saying awkard useless things XD
Yes, I've heard that the small talk we carry on in the USA is uncommon in many other nations. There's a kind of art and technique to it that can make it appealing, even if a person is sort of shy. But it should never be forced. Needs to be "eased into." I think some Americans have the notion that it is expected -- when, in fact, the room or elevator or whatever occupied space can remain intact and functioning even when nobody says much of anything. Most of the time, small talk with strangers can be pleasant; excepting for the odd time when you realize the other person is a raving maniac. Postscript: yes, Rachel ... would not be a stretch to imagine the other person (guy) might be into you.
Well, Ms. Kim, you might feel more comfortable in San Diego, California, which is where I have lived my whole life. Almost no one engages in small with strangers. I will say that I found it interesting in Korea how people respected space. I could walk at a good pace through a crowded subway an make no incidental physical contact. I was amazed.
I'm from Pennsylvania. Small talk is hard, but inevitable. There's no escaping it. My go to is the half interested laugh, or an "ah, yeah" and a nod and smile. 😂 Sometimes I think we should all talk to each other more though. We're all just out here, trying to make it through our day/life. Might as well be nice I guess! ... But yeah, still awkward.
Lol, In Brazil, this happens a lot, you may be walking on the street and someone you do not know will greet you and continue on your way, or else talk to you while you stand in line waiting for something, perhaps in the elevator, perhaps waiting for a doctor in an establishment of medical consultations, happens a lot, sometimes it is cool and sometimes uncomfortable as well
im italian and we really LOVE to talk to strangers. but i feel like our "italian small talks" are different. for example we dont usually interact with strangers on the streets unless we want to compliment them for their clothes, hair, if they have a cute dog ecc. but when we are in a restourant of stuff like that its really likely that we'll become friends with the people in the table next to ours. "you have to sit in front of a table for a long time, why dont talk with the people next to you?" we think. its really common that if you are in italy in a restaurant people will ask you:"whats that dish you are eating? it looks good, i might order it too" and then you start talking. also unless you meet a shy person, we always try to keep the atmosphere the least awkward as we can: if we see that the other person is embarassed we would just ask something else or just say bye and go away
Don't worry. I've never liked talking to strangers either. I'll only talk to them if they speak first... It isn't just limited to strangers though. They could be family friends and I find it hard to talk to them. I mean, what the heck am I even supposed to say? I guess saying something really random would leave a lasting impression...? But I don't know. It just amazes me how some people are so good at starting a conversation.
America is great if your an extrovert. However, I'm an introvert with social anxieties who grew up in a small town in the South (small talk is extremely common there). I always dreaded going to the supermarket check out counter, strangers behind you or even the store clerk would ask you about items in your cart or talk about the weather etc. Self check out counters are a blessing for me. There are people who for some reason just don't like silence it's awkward to them, I on the other hand find "small talk" to be awkward. I can have a brief conversation with a person I just met about a particular subject that interest me like they ask me about the book I'm reading because they are interested in the genre or author that type of thing. Not just talking to drown out the silence. If I know I'm going to be in a situation that I will surely encounter small talkers I where my ear buds for my phone or mp3 player, if you look like your listening to music or talking on the phone with someone the odds of small talk are drastically reduced. There can be some nice friendly people but I get overwhelmed.
I grew up in America where it's seen as impolite NOT to at least smile at a stranger. But I always found small talk incredibly awkward. Like just leave me alone.
Here in Germany, small talk isn't really a thing either, at least not where I'm from. Along with the stereotypical "American Smile" it just seems odd and artificial.
A smile to a stranger in American culture is often forced, but that doesn't mean it is fake. If we don't want to smile we won't. It is simply a gesture of friendliness and good will. It acknowledges to the other person that you mean them no harm, and wish them well. No words are needed. Even when you are having a very bad day you would still force yourself to give that friendly gesture. Mostly because you never know if that person's day is even worse, and a friendly smile could brighten their day. Many times I have forced myself to give a smile when I really didn't want to because the other person looked very sad or tired, and when I saw the bright smile light up on the other person's face... suddenly I felt a lot better too. Simple kindness simply makes the world a better place :)
As someone who works in retail in a small town, I think I have mastered Smalltalk. But there are times when I don't know what to say. Sometime people are so negative that I just give up.
In India we have a LOT of small talk.and most of these talks are about dating.yeah we get into people's "relationship talk" as an attempt to start a conversation.its no problem here.other countries definitely consider it to be weird.
Rachel, fine video as always. I think the reason for small talk goes back. USA is a really new country, everyone here came from some where else. When everything is new and there are so many cultures, some small talk breaks the ice, helps you get along, and find help from others till you get used to everything. It's like saying, we are all strangers here so small talk and friendliness helps us all survive this new experience.
In the States, I was taught its polite to say hi and smile when passing by or making eye contact with someone. I feel like when I move to Korea it will be hard to not do that. Lol. I don't want people to think I'm trying to recruit them or start a fight. 😂
yep same here
In the US, it depends on where you live. The more rural, middle of the country, the more small talk. Big cities can be gruffer, but even in NY you get small talk from extroverts.
@@Singulitarian I agree. I'm closer to NY city. People are more to themselves but as soon as you hit Staten Island or even most places in NJ, people are more "approachable". Lol
Champion Spanky732 I’m from a Colorado, but live in rural area. There’s definitely small talk, smiling, and waving, at strangers here. Like you feel like this will be hard not to do so much in Korea lol.
i'm confused, why would they think you're trying to start a fight?😂
**See's thumbnail**
Ah, yes. Asians find it weird that I wear my Captain America costume in elevators all the time. They just don't understand my hobbies.
I CANT BREATHE😂😂
I’m dying 😂😂 as an American, sooo relatable 😂
OMG 😂😂😂
Hobbies??? But cosplay they get. Lol.
American small talk often ends without even learning the other person’s name or any other identifiable information. So it’s like having an anonymous conversation where you can genuinely unload your present feelings and reactions. These types of conversations are really common while traveling. I chatted with people for a couple hours while waiting for a plane, learning all about their life and plans and family but never learning their name. Or the same on an airplane going half way around the world. I think the fact that you will likely never meet this person again is freeing so people open up in unexpected ways. This is not just an American habit either. Most of these “small talk” sessions were cross-cultural or inter-generational. I’ve had it with plenty of Koreans in Korea too. So even your stereotypes of your own culture are just that, stereotypes.
I think most koreans (in Korea)that engage in small talk only do it with foreigners. Koreans usually don't small talk with other koreans.
And if Americans are great at small talk, try Canada - even more so in smaller communities. People are really friendly and expect that you will becomes their community member in some small way soon, so they just treat you like you already moved to town.
@@xiaolanli9750 , wow....
I need to move to Canada. They sound like sweet ppl 🥰
"I changed .. my .. lightinggggg." The slightly forced enthusiasm is wonderful 😂😂
Well, you have to talk to strangers to make friends lol. And in America, it is a bit more awkward to shuffle past them or ignore them.
Actually... that's not always the case... like it's not very awkward if you are in a black hoodie and jeans and have ur hood up. Because then nobody notices you.. learned from experience... just hide in the shadows lol
Well I'm also 13 and 5'6 so that might be part of it... and everyone thinks I'm mad at them when I look at them...
Doesn't Matter it didn’t expect that to go the way it did hahaha true though
I mean being young will make less people talk to you either because they can’t be bothered or don’t want to be labeled as a pedo
Honestly, the stereotype I get about other people who wear all black with a hoodie up (usually who are older - maybe out of college and up) is that they’re a shady character (quite literally)
Personally, if someone looks at me and they don’t smile or show any outwardly neutral body language at least, I immediately think “yeah of course- they hate me and think I look like trash. If I look at them too long they might try to harm me. Are they watching me with bad intentions? Something on my face or something? I wish I were not here now...”
[must add, you’ve partially emphasized my shortness to myself, although it’s not much of an age difference - I’m still only between 5’3” and 5’4” (in the ballpark of 163cm)] :0
Not for me!
@@bonyeni , FRSSSSS
Its so awkward and at some point threatening when they stare with a straight face. Especially bc some ppl have a roasting b face when they don't smile. Smiling is just showing friendliness not "I like you and like being with you" type of manner. However. I think there is a certain way we smile when it comes to strangers. Now that I think about it, I've made a lot of small talk with strangers since a young age🤣🤣🤣
I was just reminiscing it all bc I remembered the look in my dad's face when I walked out of a place with new people while just casually speaking to them as if we knew each. I'm even better than him at it😂
I guess I had to brag a little and no body really cares but idc~😜
MemeAliCiOUS 😂😂 that’s good though!
mE. I'm literally a flaming ball of anxiety and social awkwardness
Jungshook for jungkook yeah I have social anxiety too. But I keep commenting on social media all day long :3 and I'm also jungkshook for jungkook too😂😂
I have social anxiety too
So am I well then let's meet and we might have a blast together or we might blast together
Same, except when I'm with my friends 😁
Nice profile pic lol
Hahaha...yeah, we’re totally busted. 😂🤣 In the USA we make small talk with anyone and everyone. Especially in the South. It’s just so normal here that, to us, it feels kind of awkward to NOT make small talk. In reality I have never met someone through small talk and then became good friends with them. But this vlog does explain why the two Koreans in Disney World that my daughter and I made small talk with looked like they wanted to crawl into a hole to get away from us. 🤣😂🤣😂 It wasn’t awkward for us at all. 🤣 We might have traumatized them. 😞 Sorry, Korean strangers. We, at least, enjoyed talking to you. 😍
if youre breathing you're a homie
T. Dee little did they know they should have asked themselves that question. 😳
Such an interesting topic. I am an American and my hubby is Korean. I grew up with small talk being the norm and my hubby, not at all. In the early days of our relationship, I did not understand so much why he didn't appear friendly to "strangers" (grocery clerks, people waiting in line for an event, etc)
After being together for 23 years, I get it. These type of topics can be very helpful to bicultural friendships and relationships! Way to go Rachel!!
Who needs new lighting when you're in the room Rachel?. Your beautiful smile shines like the sun 😘
ONCEbittenTWICEshyshyshy I thought Rachel was the light.
🤢She's cute but god that's so cringe...🤮
@@jw6588
Well. Rachel liked it, so I'm comfortable with my cringe level ✌
@@ONCEbittenTWICEshyshyshy 🙄
Small talk = uncomfortable nodding and mumbling
I've heard stories of people who were about to do bad things, like shoot up a building or commit suicide , who decided not to because a stranger was nice to them moments before. And in my opinion small talk can be used as an important information gathering time, stuff like, friend or foe, do I like this person enough to save them if we were attacked, would they help me? Silence to us Is like, " what is this stranger planning on murdering me with I wonder" . So yea small talk is more comfortable lol.
David Morton actually their suffocating friendliness makes me want to commit suicide lol
Last summer, on vacation with my Korean girlfriend, she said I was like traveling with her grandmother because I would talk to people. If we rode an elevator with strangers and I didn't say anything, later she would tease me and ask why didn't I get their phone number? BUT!!! I was the one who found all the coolest things to do and how to get the best prices and by the time we left one of our hotels we were part of a circle of foreigners who were all good friends doing activities and eating together... She loved it! (but it's still only my job to talk to stranger)
Man, if you’re only talking about Pennsylvania, don’t ever go to Texas or the south in general. Even as an American, when I moved there, I also felt uncomfortable with the amount of small talk that would happen everywhere!
Lol yea, We Texans do start small talk, just to be Nice 👍🤣
Chad Miller : People from Texas and the South can be a little more friendly than most. It’s just the culture.
Haha, disclaimer: Not saying the hospitality is bad, just a little uncomfortable for those who aren't used to it. You get used to it pretty quickly :)
Omgg I’m from Texas and I never really thought we Texans make so much small talk!! I guess it’s just a habit or instinct like whenever we make eye contact we smile and say hey or when we feel uncomfortable with strangers we start talking to make it go away or even when you just see an approachable person or see they’re for example buying a product you’re a fan of... gee we DO make quite a bit of small talk..... lol
@@dani._.2000 Southern hospitality lol. Honestly I love it. Sure some interactions are forced and sometimes you want to be left alone but there have been too many times when a simple greeting or small talk moment ended up leading to a friendship.
I normally only speak when spoken to. I don't start the conversations, but I can hold my own once in them.
Also, it's funny that you mention the lighting, because I noticed the old lighting but didn't want to say anything. But then it looked better so I figured you just fixed it. Ha! Good job!
I’m Mexican American and in both cultures we are extremely talkative especially Mexicans. They also love their (chisme)
Omg same, my mom does that too and I just recently went to Mexico to visit my family over there for the first time and I realized everyone was so talkative even more then me ir My family😂 I thought I was the only one like that😂, lol😂😂
I'm from Brazil..... Brazil it's the land of small talk... There is no scape and we love it! haha
small talk is an ART form and no one can change my mind.
Hello from Texas! Where small talk is expected. My mother was a master at remarks that made people laugh and put them at ease. As long as you stay away from personal subjects, you are golden. Weather is an easy one because, here, it likes to surprise us and always has us shaking our heads in amusement or dismay.
I am a total conversationalist!!! Awkward is not in my vocabulary haha! I love people and talking to them because I've noticed it's so easy to make someone happy just by smiling or pointing out something nice about them. Also, in women's defense classes, I was taught that if you address someone- even if you just nod and say hello to them -it's making you seem more confident and less like someone who could be victimized. So I rarely have zero interaction with strangers. I plan on visiting Korea for an extended period so I better get my ish together!
I’m American, and I also love small talk. I do feel more comfortable when there’s an interaction. I think that’s what white suburban American Northwest can do to you...
In Norway we ignore each other, and I love it.
In Denmark we stare intensely at each other in silence, I find it quite nice.
Same in Bangladesh
I need to live in norway
kimrkarl Lucky you
I was raised to help others and be polite at all times even out of the presence of my family. some times I find it better to not get in the way of others because sometimes I just feel its not my place to intrude. Dont get me wrong I have had my FAIR share of awkward small talk but sometimes people have started nice and caring conversations with me. I find that its more the older generation now that start conversations. I'm often praised (as a young person) by many older ones when they see me making an effort to help or start a conversation with them.
I noticed that in Korea when walking around. Everyone tends to keep to themselves around people they don’t know. In the US it is considered polite to open and hold the door for other people. Koreans look at me funny when I would hold the door for them but I know it isn’t something they are used to. It is interesting how different our cultures are.
It depends.. I find some people are really good at small-talk and others just make awkward remarks .. But if someone's good at small-talk i feel like it instantly makes the situation more comfortable
If it's not obvious that they don't actually give a crap.... those are the people you're talking about. It's still uncomfortable to me, but less than an encounter with 2 people that suck at faking small talk. I'm one of those, myself
I think it definitely depends where you go in America, small talk is more common in rural states and communities while it’s not as common in big cities. I hate small talk, I prefer to keep my (friendly) distance from strangers. Loved the video, you’re so cute and I love the new lighting!! ❤️❤️
Here, in Israel, we have small talk like everyday. I think sometimes it's more awkward not to talk in some situations...and even we can give a hug for goodbye after a small talk :)
Moral of the story:
Everything.
One time, i was in the tram standing normally, there were some girls from high school sitting and holding Arabic books they have to study, and there was an old woman next to them so she heard them talking, the woman talked to them and said that she was an Arabic teach, she started to ask them some questions in grammar and stuff it was like a small test to improve them and the whole people in the tram were watching and every one who was a high school student jumped into the talk and all the women who have children or know some one who is a high school student got the old woman's phone number in case they needed her, it's a very normal thing here in Egypt people talk about everything thing ever if it's personal to strangers and it's very acceptable, tbh this makes me feel warm in the inside to talk to everyone it feels like all the people are a huge family
I'm from Canada... I always do small talk... I smile.. I try to be helpful to strangers... Just how we were brought up..
I'm in East Texas, although Americans have similar behavior countrywide a lot of states have their own personalities so to speak.
Most Texans have half hand wave when you pass someone in your car, esp if you know them.
I personally have perfected the 1/2 smile, for strangers, ones I pass in the stores but not always on the street depends on the general safety-ness vibe.
This 1/2 smile shows no teeth but has corners of the mouth go up with eye contact. But I get talk makes it better in certain situations, better than cold silence.
Feel free not to make small talk or eye contact when you dont want to, it is not considered rude 95% of the time.
Only when you are meeting that stranger for some reason is it considered rude.
I esp make small talk if the situation throws us together such as a super long line at the store. But it is also based on the vibe off the other person, do they look interesting, is the situation where making quirky small jokes of our common plight would make the situation a tad better...
Most Southern states have a general thought that you make eye-contact most of the time, esp the elders.
A woman alone must be mindful who they make eye contact when it comes to men it could be perceived as I am into you. But woman to woman 99% time it's just a very mild sign that you acknowledge they exist.
Greetings from a fellow Texan. I agree with this. I try to at least nod or smile...but I live in Houston and a lot of people don't respond. Maybe transplants.
Ms Kim your video was an excellent exploration of the differences in cultural norms and behaviors. Speaking as a Canadian born & bred and especially a Torontonian (Toronto is the city I grew up in) I suggest we are a little more reserved than our American friends, neighbors and family. Best example is taking public transit like the subway. Torontonians are notorious for never making eye contact with the other passengers, even when we are packed in together like a tin of sardines. Subway ads even mock us for the practice, suggesting that their advertisements can help keep us from looking at our fellow riders! Visitors from small towns often remark how snooty Torontonians are because of our reserved demeanor. Still catching up on your videos here. So far each one has been delight! 🤔👍🏻💛🎤🎧🇰🇷🇨🇦
I hate small talking but I love smiling to strangers but most definitely when they smile back cuz it’s like they except you. It’s like you say to them (with a smile) that I think it’s great you exist and you should have a good life so if they don’t smile back you don’t really feel excepted by people. That’s how it is for me and my friends at least💜🙃
I've lived in the US for my entire life and I always feel awkward when a stranger starts talking to me. I never start small talk, but if someone starts talking to me, I'm polite and answer in some way...but it's still awkward! I'm more often likely to smile back at a person passing me in the street. If I do someday get to visit Korea (something I'm going to really try to save money for) I won't have a problem not talking to strangers. Smiling though...that'll be harder to avoid. It's just instinct! I want to be nice to people! And spread happiness and joy! Lol.
I’m from the US. I live in LA. I work in customer service. I’m paid to make small talk for half the day, and then everyone makes small time with me as the customer the minute I’m off work (the uber driver, the lady who rings me up at the grocery store, the bartender, the sales clerk.)
I can’t be bad at small talk. My life literally depends on it. It’s not allowed 😂😂😂
Hahaha, yeah, Americans love making friends. You should meet my grandmother, she will greet strangers as if they are old friends. One time this happened:
Grandmom (to some strangers): Hello! How is everything going?
Me: Grandmom, do you know those people?
Grandmom: I’ve never seen them before in my life!
My grandmother is the Matriarch of the Extroverts. She will also make you feel loved within seconds of meeting her
I don't really enjoy small talk even though I have a natural talent with it but I do think a polite smile and greeting are essential if you are going to be sharing space with a stranger... You never know what that person has been going through that day and someone being polite could be the best thing that happened to them all day... Also remember, all of your friends used to be strangers too 👍
I am lithuanian and when i moved to uk there was that weird talk with a stranger that i found awkward because we lithuanians don't usually do it (small talk) in our country as well. 😂😂 your videos are so relatable sometimes 👌
I always found small talk to be awkward and uncomfortable and I was always bad at it. But after living in Korea for so long sometimes I miss it. One benefit of small talk is when you go out somewhere where the people around you likely have something in common with you like at a concert for example it's a good way to meet new people and potentially make new friends.
Everyone needs a friend like rachel... She's so funny
Well, if I come across you Rachel and I try to say hi, it will definitely be because I'm into you (Lol). Great video. For me, because Im genuinely a super friendly person, I enjoy meeting people and trying to be friends. For me its more awkward when people are unfriendly sometimes. Nothing worse than saying "hi" to someone warmly only to have them look away or not respond....now THATS awkward..lol :-)
As an American who has a hard time with small talk, I get what you mean. Strangers sometimes think I dislike them because I prefer to give people space. It's great when you come across someone else like that though, because while everyone else expects small talk, that person doesn't want it any more than you do. You aknowledge each other with a slight smile or a nod and thats enough.
I'm from seattle, WA, so it's often a similar mentality amongst native Seattleites! We don't really engage with strangers and opt to give space as well, which has given Seattle natives the "Seattle freeze" label, and leads people to think we're often unapproachable lol but that's just our way of being respectful most of the time XD usually, if I'm randomly engaged by a stranger on the bus, or in a waiting room, 98% of the time (I jest not) they are a transplant from another state, or another country lol
In Norway we just ignore other people. Like if we are on a bus we will always try to not sit next to someone
lol, I was buying a can of beans this past winter near a woman looking at beans. The next thing my daughter sees is me giving this stranger the instructions for making chili🤣 I can’t help it, she asked. My daughter doesn’t understand how I “get myself into these situations”. 😬 To me, eye contact, smiles and small talk are ways to validate another person’s humanity because you might be the only person that day to acknowledge them nicely or be an encouragement. I feel awkward and embarrassed when I smile at someone walking down a hallway and they avoid eye contact and avoid acknowledging my existence. I think why can’t they give a tiny smile or a slight head nod? My daughter doesn’t like this type of interactions due to anxiety so I get that aspect of it, but still I like a nod or smile 😁
exactly
I've lived in the US my whole life and I've always hated small talk. I'm super awkward and I don't like talking to people I don't know. On top of that, I work in customer service. Just the other day, I was getting my car worked on and was in the waiting room for 3 hours and this older guy started talking to me. And I felt really awkward and a bit uncomfortable, but it's the polite thing here to talk to people so I was stuck telling this random person stuff about my life.
"I sincerely apologize to the victims of my social awkwardness....."
This actually makes me a little nervous about my trip to Korea. I am soo excited to experience everything. Food.. culture.. meeting people..I am not loud but when I am nerdy excited I can be overly chatty. I will be the weird awkward American ajumma. I guess that won’t to different than in American were I am the nerdy awkward chick that knows obscure facts abt Korea and owns 100 nerd Tshirts.. and gets too chatty with anyone who recognizes my latest Kdrama/pop or syfy reference. 🙄
Hey Rachel!
I'm from Germany and we don't do smalltalk either. It is considered to be very awkward when a stranger talks to you. Except if they are asking for the way.
People we know from work usually get a little smile when we pass them, but if a stranger smiles at you it is considered to be creepy.
You did a great job small talking about your new lighting!😂 I think part of the foundation of this cultural phenomenon may be encapsulated in Louis Armstrong’s singing of “A Wonderful World.” It’s about making connections and overcoming fear... of the unknown.
In Sweden people do the avoiding thing where you keep to yourselves but sometimes when in the same space depending on if you are more in the north vs south or city vs small town you might get more polite conversations to ease tension. When I moved to the US I had no idea why my social anxiety was so awful and not until I started to get good at socializing did I realize that it was a culture difference I wasn't aware of. Sweden is full of introvert behaviors and America is full of extrovert behaviors pretty much!
I love small talk and sometimes it ends up in friendship
That laugh track got me!
Rachel, look at it this way, your best friend was once a stranger, everyone you know how were strangers. We Americans make small to avoid awkward silence like when standing in a line of your example of
being in an elevator.
In the US in a big city, we usually do not even make eye contact and ignore each other. A small town is all Hi's and smiles. I am 64 years old so I DO like small talk. You know the old "Life is short" saying is quite true *S*
Sometimes small talk can be awkward but I think it greatly depends on who you are talking to. Most times I think it feels more like a natural conversation instead of being "forced".
I'm an American, and small talk is definitely one of my biggest pet peeves. I hate it. So much. My mom always gets on to me about it, saying I need to learn to like it and be friendlier. But the nice thing is, I'm going to Korea very soon and I won't have to. xD
It's definitely extremely awkward but it is better than just sharing awkward glances and being tense next to each other. I find sometimes it may be uncomfortable but then as the conversation goes on, you can really get to know each other. Even if it's only for a few minutes. Then, you can smile and go about your day.
In my country it's the same as in Korea. There are some old people, who would talk to strangers but for others it's pretty weird (especially for young generation)
I'm from Brazil and I'm a small talk master. Everytime and everywhere. 😂
I'm from the USA, being raised as an Air Force Brat ( moving around a lot) I think it depends on what region you live in, the size of the community, and also if it's a community with a high percentage of new residents people seem to be more friendly.
American and I hate small talk, I live close to Memphis, TN. We have "drop ins" where a friend just shows up to visit. When this happens the proper thing to do is offer them iced tea sweet, if you are planning to stay long enough they will say "lets open a keg of nails" it means snacks. Leaving after snacks you say " Y'all be safe driving home." Our dialect is different and our customs are different than anywhere else in America. I love your show keep em coming.
At my job (I work in a hospital in America) we have a 10-5-2 rule. Within 10 feet you make eye contact, within 5 feet you smile, and within 2 feet you say hello. It is company policy. And if management catches you in the halls ignoring people you get spoken to. Just imagine having to deal with that with every single employee you pass lol
pierusofpella I’m not saying it’s a bad policy I am saying that for someone who is not used to that kind of social interaction that it would be awkward and overwhelming. Kind of the point of this video. Showing how Americans go out of their way to smile and be polite to strangers.
I should make a video of how Rachel Kim makes me feel...awkward. Just joking...or am I...
Great video btw friend!
MiKole arent you from the us too? dont you make videos with gina?
I'm from Russia and we don't have small talks culture here. Even a smile from a stranger can be weird. The only thought that I have (and people I know have it too) is "What do you want from me?" 😅
I love her edits hahahaha subscribed!
Nice video! I live in the us in new york state and small talk is much more common in smaller communities not bigger cities. If you walk down nyc streets most people will not make small talk with you
True, in the bigger cities life is faster paced so most people don't have time to just hang around and BS.
American here, everyone i know is good at smalltalk and actually wants to interact with strangers but it just makes me uncomfortable lol
Your humor is the best!! New sub here
in England we often don't talk to strangers and think it's weird if people are too friendly like americans are
The degree and initation of 'small talk' varies by region, situation and even persons in the U.S.
In the south (where the words sir &, ma'm float around casually and consistently) it's much more prevelant on the whole. It's part of the "good ole southern hospitality" and is thought to be welcoming. Once eye contact is made a "Good Morning, how are you today, crazy weather we're having isn't it!" Statement is pretty common. Avoiding eye contact and not acknowledging your 'neighbor' might even be considerd rude or disrespectful. In Korea I imagine it would be as similair as greeting one of your elders casually and dropping all levels of honorifics.
In Denmark its polite to smile if you catch the eye of a stranger but if someone comes up and starts talking to me i assume theyre crazy lol:D but yeah i noticed in Korea that people dont smile to strangers but i thought it was just because i was a foreigner:/
Yeah same in Sweden
love the new lighting setup, it is awesome that you are always looking to improve the quality of your videos via content or setup. As far as small talk, I am more like you and find it awkward. I tend to become a chatter box after I am more comfortable with a person. Thanks for the awesome video 😁
Rachel is so hilarious. Love this girl's videos!
I'm American... I hate small talk and talking to strangers. It makes me feel very uncomfortable. It is a stranger, forcing an interaction onto me, and I don't know them or care what they have to say really. So, when I'm walking down the street, I avoid eye contact with everyone. Giving eye contact seems to invite them to interact with me. Same with smiling. If it's unavoidable, I'll smile at them, but only a small smile... not a big, open smile. I save those for people I care about. People here, in the states, feel obligated to interact with each other if they're in the same vicinity.... or in the same line. It's like the fact that we're walking on the same sidewalk gives us enough in common to interrupt each other's day. It's rude, in my opinion. But....I have pretty bad shyness and social anxiety, so it could just be that I'm the weird one hahaha
It definitely depends where you are. In Florida, it’s weird for small talk in an elevator, at least for me. People look at you differently when you talk to a stranger in general here. It’s all about where you live.
And you didn’t need the lighting, your personality and smile are bright enough 😁
I had a Korean girl as my roommate in college and she was cool and eager to do new things and go interesting places. In our second year, I fell in love with her in part because her mom loved me! More than a decade later, I still think about her every single day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
See I’m from the south and around here we greet most people, sometimes even strangers with a smile and small talk. And I’ve found that we don’t know what personal boundaries are. We’ll tell you all the town gossip and ask all sorts of questions about you and end it with a hug and well wishes, and probably some sort of food. But we mean well. So I know when I start traveling to other countries I’m going to have to look more into their individual social norms so I don’t freak anybody out or make them uncomfortable or start a fight lmao
So I live in Switzerland and in small cities people loooove small talk, like when walking through a village we even wish a goodmorning to literally everyone we meet, but I just HATE IT !! pls let me alone in my corner and don't talk to me bc I'm gonna end up saying awkard useless things XD
Yes, I've heard that the small talk we carry on in the USA is uncommon in many other nations. There's a kind of art and technique to it that can make it appealing, even if a person is sort of shy. But it should never be forced. Needs to be "eased into." I think some Americans have the notion that it is expected -- when, in fact, the room or elevator or whatever occupied space can remain intact and functioning even when nobody says much of anything. Most of the time, small talk with strangers can be pleasant; excepting for the odd time when you realize the other person is a raving maniac. Postscript: yes, Rachel ... would not be a stretch to imagine the other person (guy) might be into you.
"Do you notice anything different?"
Is that what we're going to do today? We're going to fight?
I live in Belgium (in Europe) and I am also kind of awkward with strangers but mostly I just smile bcs that's just polite and not strange or something
Well, Ms. Kim, you might feel more comfortable in San Diego, California, which is where I have lived my whole life. Almost no one engages in small with strangers. I will say that I found it interesting in Korea how people respected space. I could walk at a good pace through a crowded subway an make no incidental physical contact. I was amazed.
Hey, fellow San Diegan! 🙋
I'm from Pennsylvania. Small talk is hard, but inevitable. There's no escaping it. My go to is the half interested laugh, or an "ah, yeah" and a nod and smile. 😂 Sometimes I think we should all talk to each other more though. We're all just out here, trying to make it through our day/life. Might as well be nice I guess! ... But yeah, still awkward.
Love the new lighting, Rachel. You look stunning no matter what. ❤😁
Lol, In Brazil, this happens a lot, you may be walking on the street and someone you do not know will greet you and continue on your way, or else talk to you while you stand in line waiting for something, perhaps in the elevator, perhaps waiting for a doctor in an establishment of medical consultations, happens a lot, sometimes it is cool and sometimes uncomfortable as well
the elevator scene was too funny XD
im italian and we really LOVE to talk to strangers. but i feel like our "italian small talks" are different. for example we dont usually interact with strangers on the streets unless we want to compliment them for their clothes, hair, if they have a cute dog ecc. but when we are in a restourant of stuff like that its really likely that we'll become friends with the people in the table next to ours. "you have to sit in front of a table for a long time, why dont talk with the people next to you?" we think. its really common that if you are in italy in a restaurant people will ask you:"whats that dish you are eating? it looks good, i might order it too" and then you start talking. also unless you meet a shy person, we always try to keep the atmosphere the least awkward as we can: if we see that the other person is embarassed we would just ask something else or just say bye and go away
I think it is always awkward at first. I did not notice the lighting because you shine so bright! 👋🌞❤💘❤😀
Don't worry. I've never liked talking to strangers either. I'll only talk to them if they speak first... It isn't just limited to strangers though. They could be family friends and I find it hard to talk to them. I mean, what the heck am I even supposed to say? I guess saying something really random would leave a lasting impression...? But I don't know. It just amazes me how some people are so good at starting a conversation.
America is great if your an extrovert. However, I'm an introvert with social anxieties who grew up in a small town in the South (small talk is extremely common there). I always dreaded going to the supermarket check out counter, strangers behind you or even the store clerk would ask you about items in your cart or talk about the weather etc. Self check out counters are a blessing for me. There are people who for some reason just don't like silence it's awkward to them, I on the other hand find "small talk" to be awkward. I can have a brief conversation with a person I just met about a particular subject that interest me like they ask me about the book I'm reading because they are interested in the genre or author that type of thing. Not just talking to drown out the silence. If I know I'm going to be in a situation that I will surely encounter small talkers I where my ear buds for my phone or mp3 player, if you look like your listening to music or talking on the phone with someone the odds of small talk are drastically reduced. There can be some nice friendly people but I get overwhelmed.
I grew up in America where it's seen as impolite NOT to at least smile at a stranger. But I always found small talk incredibly awkward. Like just leave me alone.
Here in Germany, small talk isn't really a thing either, at least not where I'm from.
Along with the stereotypical "American Smile" it just seems odd and artificial.
A smile to a stranger in American culture is often forced, but that doesn't mean it is fake. If we don't want to smile we won't. It is simply a gesture of friendliness and good will. It acknowledges to the other person that you mean them no harm, and wish them well. No words are needed. Even when you are having a very bad day you would still force yourself to give that friendly gesture. Mostly because you never know if that person's day is even worse, and a friendly smile could brighten their day. Many times I have forced myself to give a smile when I really didn't want to because the other person looked very sad or tired, and when I saw the bright smile light up on the other person's face... suddenly I felt a lot better too. Simple kindness simply makes the world a better place :)
Being from Georgia, small talk with strangers is a way of life. lol
As someone who works in retail in a small town, I think I have mastered Smalltalk. But there are times when I don't know what to say. Sometime people are so negative that I just give up.
In India we have a LOT of small talk.and most of these talks are about dating.yeah we get into people's "relationship talk" as an attempt to start a conversation.its no problem here.other countries definitely consider it to be weird.
I don’t like small talk with strangers, but what I absolutely hate is bathroom conversations. Don’t talk to me while I’m... “working “.
Rachel, fine video as always. I think the reason for small talk goes back. USA is a really new country, everyone here came from some where else. When everything is new and there are so many cultures, some small talk breaks the ice, helps you get along, and find help from others till you get used to everything. It's like saying, we are all strangers here so small talk and friendliness helps us all survive this new experience.
I don't understand how some people are so good at small talk. I always feel like I'm forcing myself when I try to do it and I feel vvv awkward lol.
Rings lights are great. I use mine all the time.
I'm pretty socially awkward but I generally like it when someone makes small talk with me ^-^ I feel like I'm not totally invisible x.x