I read through a bunch of levels of politeness and most talk about business situations, school situations, etc.
But none that I read seem to mention the level of politeness most people use with random strangers you run into on the street and food service people like sales clerks or food service workers.
On a similar topic, when in doubt, would it ever not be a good idea to just default to the polite form of stuff? Do you every use the more casual form with anyone other than people you are fairly close to?
by samanime