Older folks and people from rural areas here — yes, it's normal lol.

Europeans are surprised when they visit America. Europeans keep to themselves, but Americans will make small talk sometimes, like when waiting in line for something. Americans are probably also more likely than Europeans to retire to the Philippines. And when you have a baby with you, parents tend to talk more since they have something in common.

Yes. British people do this too, or at least the older generation did. I love it.

I do. But I'm a friendly person. I work in sales, so chatting people up comes naturally at this point. I don't trap people, though — I test the waters with a quick nod and a comment. If they seem open, great! If not, I keep moving. Life's too short to freeze people out, and you never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn.

I've always been that way — not stopping people exactly, but making casual conversation when we're riding an elevator up 20 floors, waiting in line, or on a hiking trail. Exchanging pleasantries just seems like the polite thing to do.. though I rarely go beyond a quick word or a nod and hello.

Filipino small talk is usually all about asking whether you're still single.

Americans are stopping to talk to you for 10–15 minutes? I'll talk to strangers, but usually for a minute or so. If the other person matches my energy it can go longer. Fifteen minutes is rare, and probably means there's some kind of connection or shared interest.