American Friendships

"I have heard many international newcomers say (in the US) that American friendships are superficial. They say Americans do not know what true friendship is; they seem very friendly at first, but the friendships do not grow." What could be some reasons why Americans are perceived this way?

Americans are likely perceived this way because, as the author says, "to ask for help means to be dependent". Our strong individualistic emphasis on self pressures us not to appear dependent or overly needy of anyone else. We cannot rely too much on the help of others, because it makes us look like we can't be self-reliant; we can't be too friendly and too eager to offer help to others, because that might threaten their sense of self-reliance. Americans are often only friendly on the surface level because they want to maintain a mutual feeling of independence from others, and not establish too many close connections that might threaten this sense of independence.