[crazygringo]

I'm sorry that's been your experience. I don't know where you live; and I know this can be a cultural thing.

But in America at least, it's not usually bullshit or false. It's not a means to an end. I will compliment servers and cashiers and receptionist just because it makes everyone friendlier and we all enjoy our brief interaction more than we would otherwise. It would be nonsensical to say I was using them. For what?

I am aware that there are cultures out there where nobody does this and it is viewed highly with suspicion. It just makes me very happy I don't live in one of those places.

[soperj]

> I will compliment servers and cashiers and receptionist just because it makes everyone friendlier and we all enjoy our brief interaction more than we would otherwise.

It's been my experience that many of these people hate that, and that the reason they seem to enjoy it is that that's what they're trained to do.

[crazygringo]

I have been a server and a bartender. Everyone vastly prefers the friendly customers. The chitchat is what makes the job.

The worst thing is when people treat you like some kind of robot, like you're not even a person.

So no, nobody hates that. Unless it's some creepy dude trying to hit on a girl, but that's not what we're talking about here.