Once I was in USA I have had the following situation several times. A passerby asked me for a cigarette and after he took it he insisted me that I take a dollar or something like that instead. I wonder if it was coincidence or usual practice? I mean, being Russian, that was fairly weird for me since In Russia giving a cigarette to a stranger is considered to be free favor. You never expect to get money as a compensation.
- Country or region United States
it's more of since people usually don't like cigarettes it's unexpected that you would actually give them one or its that since in America we try to be friendly and polite we usually think that after someone does something for us we should pay them back or do something for them also. but it's not a set rule so many people do this while many people don't so it really just depends on the person and what the favor was.
Was this answer helpful?
Obviously wrong
Explanation is not enough
Written in a language I can't understand
Answer is not related to the question
Other reason
- Country or region United States
Well cigarettes are really expensive here so they may have felt bad asking you and wanted to repay you. Of course, you could refuse if you didn’t want it but I think they were probably just being polite since you did them a favor.
Was this answer helpful?
- Country or region United States
I believe it's a sort of cultural thing in America to always repay any kindness onto you (because we're very selfish, so whenever someone does you kindness it's unexpected). I know many people who insist that every single person should split the bill at a large dinner or party, when there is like, 10 people. I think it's a little ridiculous. I've also had people demand I pay them back for buying me a meal at McDonalds (it was like $5 if that) for multiple months after it happened.
Was this answer helpful?
- Country or region United States
I've never seen someone try and pay for a cigarette from a stranger.
Was this answer helpful?
With HiNative, you can have your writing corrected by both native speakers and AI 📝✨.
- What's your favorite food?
- l want to "Hello" in Russian language
- Do other people in the usa care if you have sex before you married?
- Why do traffic lights in New York say Walk and Don't Walk in letters? There should be some people...
- What does it mean "Jeet " on your slang ?
What’s this symbol?
The Language Level symbol shows a user's proficiency in the languages they're interested in. Setting your Language Level helps other users provide you with answers that aren't too complex or too simple.
-
Beginner
Has difficulty understanding even short answers in this language.
-
Beginner-Intermediate
Can ask simple questions and can understand simple answers.
-
Intermediate
Can ask all types of general questions and can understand longer answers.
-
Advanced
Can understand long, complex answers.
Show your appreciation in a way that likes and stamps can't.
By sending a gift to someone, they will be more likely to answer your questions again!
If you post a question after sending a gift to someone, your question will be displayed in a special section on that person’s feed.
Thank you very much! Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
