Immigrating to the United States and integrating into American life: Many people transition from being unfamiliar with life in the United States to gradually adapting to it, gaining a significant understanding of American values.
Americans enjoy conversing and making friends, and they are all like actors, with rich body language and facial expressions, giving a warm-hearted impression. Northeasterners are like living examples of altruism, and in America, such altruism can be seen everywhere.
While walking in the neighborhood, you often encounter American neighbors who greet you, whereas when meeting Asian community members, they often act as if they do not know you. In fact, when someone greets you with a smile and a few jokes, even if you do not know each other, it feels as if you are familiar. This creates a warm atmosphere. At parties and volunteer activities, despite the language barrier, they communicate using simple phrases and gestures, making you feel welcomed rather than neglected, and you get to know many new things.
The United States offers many benefits for the elderly, such as discounts on public transportation, movie tickets, and museum admissions. Although this also exists in China, in the U.S., seniors do not need to show identification for discounts; they simply declare their age, and people believe them.
In any public place in the United States, you can carry personal items, including in supermarkets. Most people return shopping carts to their designated places, and it is rare to find misplaced items on the shelves. Many stores have self-service checkout counters where customers can complete transactions independently. At fast-food restaurants, drinks and water are self-serve, and condiments, napkins, and seasoning packets are free. Many vending machines at supermarket entrances allow unlimited refills after purchasing a drink, which is based on a sense of trust. Chinese tourists, upon discovering this, often buy a small drink and then refill it multiple times, secretly mocking the naivety of American businesses.
In fact, American businesses operate on a foundation of trust, which is why they offer you a cup. Many tourist attractions have paid parking lots where you can park by simply dropping one or a few quarters. In the U.S., personal finances and status are built on personal credibility, so most people choose honesty, and society chooses to trust you.
In many schools in the United States, blank paper is placed in open areas for everyone to take for copying and printing. This is based on the trust that you will take only what you need. American restrooms generally have toilet paper, even in remote tourist spots. This trust is also based on a relatively abundant material foundation. Friends visiting the U.S. often notice that when two people go out to take photos, someone will usually approach and ask if they need help taking a picture. After taking the photo, they will ask if you are satisfied, and if not, they will offer to retake it. You will often be deeply moved by their proactive and enthusiastic assistance.
When driving in the United States, especially in the Midwest, if your car breaks down and you have to stop on the roadside, it is common for passing Americans to stop and ask if you need help. In some areas, if you are lost, kind Americans will come to help you with directions, and some will even drive with you for a while until they are sure you can find your way.
In the United States, you do not have to worry about these things. First, someone will proactively come to "offer" help. Secondly, if you ask someone nearby, they are generally willing to assist. These people may not all be Americans, but in that environment, if you frequently interact with such individuals and experience such events, it is easy to be influenced and change. You will find that whether they are Americans or people living in America, their thoughts are simple, and life is relatively easy, largely due to the well-established credit system in the U.S. In such a society, everyone trusts each other.