What is REALLY wrong with people?

[Keitht Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Keitht]

Surely a simple "Please" or "Thank You" isn't too much to expect either from customer or sales staff. As far as I'm concerned it costs nothing but can mean a lot.
As to employee or customer holding a conversation on a mobile (cell) phone whilst being served - I think it's the height of rudeness. If my phone rings whilst I'm being served I let it ring. If the call was important the caller will have left a message, if it wasn't important I haven't missed anything.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

We always exchange pleasantries with everybody no matter where we go. I strongly disagree about it being New York. We were in New York City last year for a couple weeks and found the people to be quite friendly and very helpful. In fact we had more people go out of their way to help us than anywhere we have been. I read a survey that rated New Yorkers as the most helpful than in any other city in the world.

[Icc5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Icc5]

Common Courtesy

We always exchange pleasantries with everybody no matter where we go. I strongly disagree about it being New York. We were in New York City last year for a couple weeks and found the people to be quite friendly and very helpful. In fact we had more people go out of their way to help us than anywhere we have been. I read a survey that rated New Yorkers as the most helpful than in any other city in the world.

We have traveled (only in the states) for the past 20+ years and always say hello to people we pass as other do to us. Things have changed recently though in our neighborhood and other places. On our last vacation twice we ran into very rude people after we said hello and I have noticed even around my block certain people now walk but never look up. They not only are missing seeing the world but must live with a small circle of friends.
Think about all the people you would not have met if you didn't say hello?
Bart