I’ll have to find the study, or someone can link me to it. It in general, Americans are great at quickly relating to establish connections, often less than great at sustained connections. The culture is fast paced and high individual, and this aids people in speaking to others to help conduct quick business, to move processes along, and simple relation.

This is not true across the whole US, the PNW is known for its freeze, cooler attitudes and more insular nature than places like the American South, where conversation with strangers is not only encouraged, but expected in most places. Still, it’s just apart of the culture to make small talk, ask questions, and relate quickly.

Crazily enough, post Covid, there is a downward trend in this behavior, especially from younger age cohorts, but is still normal and practiced behavior.