September 11Beiged out

Beige, yep it’s an apt word in describing this place.Its the Californian colour , their climate , their approach . No ups and downs , nothing too dramatic , outside of crime of course , but that’s approached with an even handedness. Their sports commentary , whilst informative has a flatline pulse , and their race calling is a perfect background noise for sleep . We don’t want to offend or put anyone out , let’s keep an even keel . Asking for advice isn’t about receiving a simple opinion, for fear of being told what you don’t want to hear . That’s why I asked in the first place . Just tell me so the first time . The yanks are very polite and after you’ve reassured them that they can say what they think you find them to be interesting and often with a sharp wit and a healthy dose of self deprecation. They’re completely normal , not big headed or loud and are very helpful . It’s just this barrier that they have built up that you have to disarm before you’re let in . I’m trying to form a solid opinion on why it is ? It’s dog eat dog here and any sort of negative feedback must feed a fear of climbing up the social scale . The eagerness to please with service is obvious when tips are so important but you get sick of people hovering asking ‘if the food is ok or is their anything else we can do .’ Even on leaving establishments there’s almost a grovelling approach to hoping that ‘you have a great day and weekend .’ Ok , ok let it go mate, I tipped you and I may be back . Competition is fierce , there’s a lot to gain and a lot to lose . The environment has squashed their personality , candour and honesty are put in the back pocket . I think it has contributed to the painfully slow grind in finding any type of social footing . It’s all hunky dory and sunny side up at school pickup . The worlds in a perfect glow . Small talk is big but I want real talk and please stop painting everything beige .