Regional Variance in Direct vs Indirect Communication

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Has anyone noticed cultural differences in the directness of communication based on locality, specifically within the US? I found a brief but interesting article on it here: THE IMPACT OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT COMMUNICATION

I spent a while in Spain, and the culture there is one of the most extreme in terms of direct communication--it was just wonderful. If someone asks if they look fat and you respond with yes or no, they will appreciate it. I'm from California originally, where direct communication is the norm (to a lesser degree than in Spain albeit). I recently moved a ways inland to a pretty 'traditional' area with a small population, and I feel like the culture here is better defined by indirect communication. I noticed it a bit at first (like people not giving you a straight answer or any answer at all when really the answer is no), but it's taken me months to realize the extent of it. Needless to say, I have had some complete train-wrecks of conversations. It's even worse when you are trying to get answers from an official of some sort (like a health insurance rep), and in your mind they aren't answering your question when later you realize that in their mind they probably were answering, which explains why the discussion went downhill.

Honestly, this has been the most difficult part of moving here. I honestly think that I'll have to move back to CA after I get my degree--communication is hard enough for me as it is, let alone when it's done almost entirely by tone of voice, facial expressions, and context. Sometimes people just walk away with a strange look on their face (offended?) and I have no idea what just happened . Has anyone else had similar experiences or observations? Any tips for an aspie who is living among indirect communicators?

People are rather direct in New York City--especially if they're natives. When it comes to some things, like weight, though--one has to be careful, especially as far as ladies are concerned.