I had always though the midwest was polite and courteous, until I moved to the South... I try to be polite, but sometimes my rushed ways get the best of me. It was pointed out by some Europeans that Americans have a terrible habit. Say for example, I hold the door open for someone and they respond with a "thanks", we tend to say "uh-huh", rather than "you're welcome". I cringe now everytime I find myself saying "uh-huh" when someone says "thanks" or "thank you". Of course the European interpretation of an American "uh-huh" was entertaining and made us all look like slobbish idiots. But hey, if it's their impression, I'll do what I can to fix it.