Comment by echelon

> This is fascinating to me, because I'm from the southern US and strongly align to "ask culture"

As a southerner, I don't agree. It's split by the directionality of the request. And I think that's what makes southern culture distinct.

We'd never "ask" when we're the guest, only when we're the host. "Ask"-y guests are considered rude. "Guess"-y hosts are considered unwelcoming and inhospitable.

You can "ask" a stranger how they're doing or if they need anything, but you don't impose upon them. It's often common to strike up conversations this way.

It's a directionality. "Ask" when you're the giver, "guess" when you're the receiver.

You always hold the door. You don't ask for someone to do it for you, but you probably feel miffed if they don't, because it's expected that everyone extends each other courtesy.

"Southern hospitality".