Mike
In situations where it’s customary to exchange pleasantries with service providers, I like to believe that giving one’s best effort is a sign of respect. Although the person scanning groceries, for instance, may not have a deep interest in the details of my day, participating in such social niceties is often considered part of the expected social interaction.
However, recent comments on TikTok have shed light on a shifting perspective in society. Screenshots from TikTokers complaining about the obligation to engage in small talk with cashiers, especially at places like Trader Joe’s, stirred up a heated debate on Twitter. To the surprise of few, very few individuals were willing to defend this perceived impoliteness. This may hint at concerning trends in contemporary societal manners.
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