Paying attention to what is du

Du or sie is the German flavored version of an issue that took a valued friend of mine away.  She was from California, where she married an East Coast man in Silicon Valley.  When it came time to have kids, he insisted they move to Princeton, as he did not want to them to grow up with Cali ways.  "The waiters here talk to you as if you are their best friend.  Back home they just serve you and let you get on with your conversation," he said.  I miss her and wish her well.  I, on the other hand, am third generation native Northern Californian.  "Hi, I'm David and I'll be your waiter tonight!"