“What do you think is the biggest difference between Americans and Danes?”

I was asked this question by a young Dane yesterday. I thought about it and this is what I came up with:

American people tend to be outgoing, striking up conversations with strangers, and always asking how others are. Danes are more shy and reserved and will rarely start a conversation with people they don’t know. 

BUT, when Americans reach out to others on a social level, it’s often meaningless small talk, and very superficial. For example, when we ask “How are you?”, the automatic response is “Good, you?” even if we are running on 30 minutes of sleep, and just got into a car accident. So do we really care how the other person is when we ask this question? Seems like we don’t.

From what I’ve experienced while talking to Danes, they are more genuine. If they ask how you are, they really mean it. 

Just some food for thought.