There's a difference between small talk and being polite. As a Brazilian I was shocked at how polite people were abroad with pleases and thank yous. In Brazil

There's a difference between small talk and being polite. As a Brazilian I was shocked at how polite people were abroad with pleases and thank yous. In Brazil I'm asked bluntly "what is the time?" by strangers on the street that just turn away after I answer. That is just rudeness, not directness.