Arizonans are always smiling. At first, this smile seems unnatural and disingenuous. But gradually you will get used to this feature of local residents. Of course, you can meet a frowning person on the streets of the city. But it will be an immigrant from Mexico or China in the vast majority of cases. Americans consider a smile a simple and necessary part of polite communication. For example, if you accidentally run into someone's eyes (this is considered embarrassing), you should immediately smile. This will mean that everything is fine.
Another point that you should keep in the mind is the love of citizens for the so-called "small talk". These are easy conversations on everyday topics. This is also a courtesy here. For example, you go to the store to buy a toy. It is quite normal for the seller to ask who you want to buy it for and for what reason. He will also give you a couple of tips. This is not just a professional skill. Such superficial conversations are accepted everywhere here. Locals can start a similar conversation with you in line at the Bank, in the elevator or in the locker room. For example, if a citizen sees a young man with a pizza, it is normal to say something like: "so nice-smelling food – it’s just not fair." Such light jokes are another part of the local mentality. It may seem that it's normal for Americans to bring social distance closer. However, this opinion is wrong. It is not customary to come close in transport or in a hospital corridor while waiting for a doctor's appointment here. You can't even call close relatives after 22:00. If someone finds out that you are a tourist, they may ask where you came from. It doesn't matter what you answer – from Russia, France or Zimbabwe. The answer will be the same: "Welcome!". We can't say that there is any indifference in this. Arizonans really welcome all guests. Americans generally believe that the origin of a person, as well as his past, doesn't matter…
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