Not In Kansas Anymore

On By MarquessaIn Blog
Photo credit: Here’s Kate via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA

(Repost – 2017)

It’s always a rude awakening when I return to the real world after spending time in the islands or any place that is blessed with bright sun and gorgeous weather almost every day.

In hotter climates, I find the local people to be friendlier, more personable and laid-back than in my neck of the woods. Maybe it’s because they know that they are living in paradise.

It’s normal to pass a stranger on the street who smiles and says good morning or hello. It’s also not out of the ordinary for someone to strike up a conversation with you on the street, city bus, or the beach. It’s just part of what they seem to do.

So it’s like splashing cold water in my face when I get back home, step into an elevator, say hello (after getting into that habit while I was away) and get silence – the kind of silence that is accompanied by an awkward look that makes me think that I’ve suddenly grown a third eye.

And that’s when I remember that I’m not in Kansas anymore.

To me, the hotter the weather, the friendlier the people…

That’s my perspective but maybe I’m biased.

What do you think about my theory about hot weather people being friendlier people?

All Rights Reserved ©2017 Marquessa Matthews.

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33 thoughts on “Not In Kansas Anymore”

  2. I’m not sure it’s related to climate, or Ireland is just the huge exception to the rule 😉 it’s true I heard that countries in Northern Europe such as Finland seem more introvert than for example Spain.

    In a slightly different topic, I love your writing. I’m starting a series to feature my favourite bloggers, and I would love you to be part of it. Would you be interested? 😊

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  3. I don’t think U.S. climates get much hotter than my neck of the woods and folks here are just plain strange.

    I greet people when I’m out and very rarely do the greetings get returned. People frown, look away or just stare. I understand all too well about having a bad day, but it does not excuse rudeness.

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    1. I know eh? You would think that you did something wrong. But in the next breath, these same are not shy to ask you for something like swapping seats on a plane or asking to go ahead of you at check out ’cause they only have one item!🤔

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  4. I agree with Ms. Fle, because I’ve been to Arizona and didn’t find the people there any friendlier than back home in the Pac NW. I think it might have more to do with cultural upbringing than climate, though I’m sure it’s harder to stay angry, sad or depressed when the sun is shining and the scenery is so breathtaking. Maybe rather than temperature, it’s regional? Not just sun, but beautiful surroundings? I don’t know, I’ve never gotten the chance to travel as much as my imagination! LOL 😀

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  5. That’s a tough one, because I’ve lived in the Northern US for a great deal of my life and have found people there to be very caring. But there is something to be said for the casualness and relaxed attitude of warmer climates.

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        1. Yeah, I agree with the law of attraction though it doesn’t always translate when you get back. I consider myself a fairly good-natured person but sometimes the simple fact as being seen as “not the norm” or “other” in real life leaves little room for attracting “happy” people…oh well, that’s life, isn’t it?

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  6. CRD

    I don’t think this has anything to do with the weather, or even with regions per se. It probably is a cultural thing – in some cultures people usually shy away from strangers, but are very warm once the ice has been broken. It also probably depends on the vibrancy and way of life prevailing in places. In a place like New York, which is crowded and where people are always racing against time, they are less likely to greet strangers. In contrast, people living in Maine might not have too many neighbours, and might be able to enjoy life on their own terms without having to be part of the mad rush; they might come across as more warm or friendly.

    Cheers,
    CRD

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    1. Quite true. Standing up too long on a street corner in a busy city like NY has almost gotten me trampled more than once. I’m thinking that it’s a combo of the two.:)

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  7. Yes, I agree. And oddly enough, my husband and I just determined that people move slow in hotter climates because otherwise you get all hot and sweaty. On the other hand, people move real fast in colder climates because well, ain’t nobody got time to be standing around in the cold lol

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  8. I am reserved by nature. Yet I’m always willing to stop and chat, if the strangers are also. My wife is Filipino and being there [in Philippines] can be both chatty and reserved. It might be because I’m so white? Irish can be friendly too. So perhaps it’s not so much climate, as culture? Raised In North London, there was “Happy Jack” and he had a smile and good word for anyone. Cheers Jamie

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  10. I also happen to be a misplaced Kansan (I’m excitex to have found this blog!) who has lived in both warmer and colder climates, and I would say this is true. Warmer weather generally leads to a warmer welcomes!

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