friendliness

One of the things I SO missed about Maine and cherish now that I'm back is how friendly people are. The UPS guy came yesterday to deliver a particularly heavy package and I kinda helped him maneuver it into the garage. When he left, he gave me the affectionate, arm fully extended, "point", which I warmly interpreted as "Thanks for the help, you're the best". I went to get my watch fixed at Albert's Jewelers and while Albert (presumably) was working away we talked all about our Thanksgivings, various turkey preparations, family, etc. It was lovely! On the sidewalk, everyone gives a hello or a wave or at the very least a head nod.

I'm not sure why that friendliness dissipates as you get closer and closer to major urban centers. I wonder if Portland/ Maine is just too small to not be friendly? Like if the UPS man was a jerk to me he'd feel bad the next time he came to deliver a package? Whereas in cities people move around so much you don't bump into the same people consistently? Or is everyone just in a bigger rush in the city and doesn't have the extra time for that "special touch"? I don't know, but I do know those small but sincere interactions really warm my heart! For realz.