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This is a generalization. In Europe, people seem to try harder at friendships. They consider it almost duty to be a good friend to someone. In the US, people ar
by nickbauman 10y ago
This is a generalization. In Europe, people seem to try harder at friendships. They consider it almost duty to be a good friend to someone. In the US, people are more likely to consider only the "fun" aspect of friendship. If someone is having a tough time, they commensurately go down in the esteem meter.
- reifnir 10y agoThis comment is a generalization
- deleted 10y ago[deleted]
- whatever_dude 10y agoI had the exact opposite experience.
- stuxnet79 10y agoThis is an anecdote but it fits what I've observed over the years. Most of the really good friends that I have (white) are recent immigrants from Europe. North Americans tend to be more individualistic and this colors their interactions with others. Basically with Europeans, I tend to feel less like I'm being used or that I'm stuck in a quid-pro-quo situation.
- drzaiusapelord 10y agoIts amusing that you think "Europe" is one single culture. Do you really think a Finnish person and a French person are that much alike? Or even a Greek and an Italian? Or that the US is a monoculture. Does a rural Texan have a lot in common with a Manhattanite? Or a Chicagoan with a Peorian? I think HN loves anti-US anecdotes, but this is weak sauce even by our low standards.
- nickbauman 10y agoFair complaint. My experience is limited to Britain, Germany, Holland, Austria, Spain, Italy and France.
- randyrand 10y agoYour experience in each of those countries is limited too.