Do Americans live more for the convenience; while Europeans live more for the social living?

[Katie M]

I do understand your question and I think there's some merit to it. I'm an American but I lived in Australia in the early 90's. Often we would go to a 'club' and be seated at a picnic type table with a bunch of strangers. I have to admit, initially it felt odd but I soon learned that it was fun to get to meet and interact with new people. I loved the fact that I didn't shop at a big super market. I got my bread and pastries at the bakery, the produce at a produce stand and the meat at a meat market. The vendors do have more of an opportunity to get to know their customers and it was fun to be recognized when I became a regular.
I'm guessing it's more of a cultural thing instead of an indication that Americans are less social.