Your world WAS mean. Think of it like visiting a different culture with totally different social values. In parts of Japan, it is considered rude to only refuse an offered item once - you must refuse it three times or it means you think so lowly of the offer that it doesn't need stating again. Or in some parts of Germany where drinking the entire bottle of wine means you didn't like it and is an insult to your host. Or places where you must remove your shoes and wash your feet before entering religious houses.
You've entered a new culture with new social norms. People are nice here. If you can accept that new culture for what it is, peace will come to you.