Coming from Australia, I find it super weird that when I smile at people, 9/10 times they look away and don't even smile back. Is this an SF thing? West coast thing? Tech industry thing? American thing? I've never worked in a big "tech" company and this is my first time in America. I used to think Sydney people were unfriendly when I first moved there, but this is a whole different level. Edit: just want to clarify that most of these interactions happened within the office building where I'm working, like when I walk past people or enter a lift. I don't smile an randos out in the street, because that's how you get hobos to ask for money.
I think it's a west coast thing. I grew up in the southeast and everybody is smiling at everybody else so much it's borderline creepy. I don't think it's unfriendliness so much as just a social norm
Might be your style of smile. Ask a friend for feedback, you might have a creepy smile.
I find my own smile creepy but never actually had this problem, so I thought it was all in my head.
TC is inversely proportional to Smile Level...
Depends on the people, I don't think Asians will smile back and make eye contact, if they dont know you, it's a culture thing.
I see this problem more with white people. I'm Asian.
Those must be the racist kinds, some are really rude and have some sort of superiority complex
If you’re in SF proper, maybe venture out a bit. Smile reciprocation increases once you go north/east a bit. Try Berkeley/Oakland.
Try Joker smile, it always works;)
Find it a bit weird to smile at random people on the road. How do you even tell when someone’s smiling at you as opposed to folks around you? If I know you or am working with you, sure I guess.
It's a culture thing. I never smile at strangers, especially women.
Regional mostly. Big country. Definitely an SF thing. Guys are super awkward here which is an advantage for you’re looking to date and have any game whatsoever. Sucks if you’re a lady trying to find a guy.
Americans always smile. Try eastern Europe to feel the difference ;)
False.
Ok try Russian.