The first question

The new question when you meet someone in the US is "Where do you live?" (Andy Crouch, Culture Making v-post). That's a good question. However, with people from other cultures I might be more inclined to ask about their families or clans first. Of course, in some cultures it is considered rude to ask any kind of a personal question of someone who doesn't know you.

I kind of like the Yapese way best. The first thing you do when you meet someone is tell a story that you like. If you really want to bless the people you meet -- and build a different kind of culture -- try telling them a story.