I’m European and I Want to Move to America This Year. Am I Crazy?

Be honest.

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For such a patriotic people, Americans certainly seem surprised when you tell them you like them.

Their reactions range from a raised eyebrow to a look of total bewilderment — as though you’ve told them something only they know.

Some are completely incredulous. Some assume you’re being sarcastic. One girl literally laughed in my face.

Others are truly tickled by the prospect, gazing at you warmly as you wax lyrical about their unbeatable customer service and infectious enthusiasm.

I remember moving a Barnes & Noble sales clerk to tears just by telling him how wonderfully kind and welcoming New Yorkers had been to me since my arrival. In fact, he was so touched that he gave me 10% off my purchase and threw in a free bookmark.

(He had a Charlotte’s Web tattoo so I could tell he was sensitive, but that’s not the point.)

Americans’ reactions to fondness from foreigners is hilarious.

My Floridian ex-girlfriend suggests that it’s because they’re so used to being vilified across the four corners of the globe that genuine praise really does take them by surprise.