I do know that whenever I go back to the States, I'm very surprised by the way people conduct themselves at work, especially in the service industry--at restaurants and stores. I often feel like I'm interrupting their personal free time when I'm the customer and they're at work. It drives me crazy! As for your other examples, those are things I haven't heard much about. Hmmmm. What can be done about this?
As for my questions about your parents, I really wonder how much of parenting style and upbringing has to do with the way we turn out as young adults and onward, and also how we handle challenges.
My parents had a pretty open style of parenting. They let me be very independent, and always supported me, although I felt a pretty big divide between my father and I until I reached my mid-twenties. For whatever reason, I feel like I've grown up with a positive attitude and the ability to overcome anything. I don't know what makes the difference in people.
Thanks for the response!