[a-priori]

I definitely noticed this in Switzerland with service staff (not so much with strangers in other situations though). It seemed rude first to not have a waiter/cashier/whoever strike up small talk while serving you, or for a waiter to not check on you part-way through a meal, or speak very formally with you. But once you realize it's their way of being polite, valuing your time and not being intrusive into your private life, it grows on you. I find the North American way annoying now!