1: Why is the American "How are you?" treated as a verbal hello rather than a genuine question, and does it feel superficial or polite to you?

2: If an American host tells you to "grab anything from the fridge," why is following that instruction so culturally agonizing for guests from collectivist backgrounds who are used to waiting to be served?

3: How do you distinguish between American "positive politeness" (heavy praise and enthusiasm) and actual sincerity?

4: Why do Americans feel comfortable openly debating or disagreeing in public, while that same behavior feels disrespectful in hierarchical cultures?

5: When does meticulous bill-splitting (using apps down to the penny) cross the line from practical to petty in cross-cultural friendships?