I was just discussing how American culture is, on its surface, highly extroverted yet actually quite introverted. We value an extroverted personality, but then people generally go home to isolated suburban homes, eat alone quietly while watching TV, watch more TV then go to bed. Families can be extremely individualistic, meaning people hardly spend time with extended families.

When I was in southern Europe recently I couldn't help but notice how people would sit in restaurants or cafes and talk for hours. Honestly I have no idea how they can converse for so long and what they talk about.

Of course as I understand it the further north you go the more introverted and achievement-oriented the culture becomes, like America.

I don't mind it but of course I'm biased, I'm American and somewhat introverted. I like that I can be introverted and eat alone or watch a movie alone and nobody cares and when I feel like it I can be extroverted and chat up strangers or have some good office banter.