"I was raised by an Appalachian, so I was taught to say hello to people and make eye contact if you sit next to them at work or they are your cashier and things of that nature..."
Being polite means being respectful and considerate of others, whether it’s respecting their desire for silence or engaging in small talk with them if they’re chatty.
"I live in a residential area of Philly and I call it a “good morning neighborhood” because many people will make eye contact and say good morning, even on a Monday.