Are Canadians really nicer than Americans?

That’s the question that USA Today writer Jayne Clark asked recently. And her conclusion?

After spending a week in Atlantic Canada and outlining three instances where she experienced “the kindness of strangers,” she writes:

…I’d have to say, in general, Canadians are nicer. Or at any rate, they’re more trusting….

None of these instances involved big-ticket items. But they do illustrate a tendency to assume the other guy (or gal) isn’t out to get the best of you. And that attitude was as refreshing as the cool summer temperatures up north.

In another article, “Top 10 ways to spot a Canadian,” Globe and Mail columnist Judith Timson weighed in on the niceness issue, too. Among her comments:

…You’re a Canadian if you’ve politely said, “I’m sorry” at least once in the past week to someone who jostled YOU in the subway, but you privately swear more than Americans, Brits or Aussies. (It’s true! We’re the best damn swearers around.)

…You’re a Canadian if you refile your taxes to correct a tiny mistake, wait patiently at a red light to cross the street even though no car is coming, and address a surly American customs guard as Sir even after he has menacingly threatened not to let you into his country because of some minor omission on your customs card.

…In short, you’re a Canadian if you’re nice but not too nice, deferential to authority but still ready to insist on justice, especially when it comes to rogue cops, and if you don’t need a UN quality-of-life survey to convince you that you live in the best damn country in the world.

You might also be interested in these posts about Canadian “niceness:”

Living in Canada…an experience that permanently changes most American expats

Say “please,” please

We’re not boring — really!

What do you think? Do Canadians deserve their reputation for niceness?

Please leave a comment and share your experiences.

Happy couple on Manitoulin Island (ON) photo ©Carolyn B. Heller