One overlooked factor in this article, is that some cultures consider people strange if they don’t make smalltalk between strangers, while others may consider y

One overlooked factor in this article, is that some cultures consider people strange if they don’t make smalltalk between strangers, while others may consider you borderline insane if you do. I moved from a country where these interactions are normal, to one where they never happen, and I still find it vaguely depressing. Otoh people who’ve moved here and never noticed the discomfort of those around them when they chatter to strangers are happily oblivious to the cultural nuances. I’d gladly be more like them.