Spanish language Q&A Forum

Que Onda

This is one of the nuances of usted that I still haven't quite figured out. At my retail job, I often assist Spanish-speaking customers. However, I am not sure if these situations warrant using more formal language. In English, I address my customers politely with "Sir" or "Ma'am" but the language I use otherwise as I'm assisting them is more informal. I want to maintain the same tone of politeness yet casualness in Spanish as English but I don't know if it comes across as too formal. For context, I am in my early twenties and the customers I've spoken to are almost always older than me ranging from their thirties to more elderly people. Obviously, for my older customers, I would use usted but would it be necessary to use usted for people who are not that much older than me? I don't know if there is anybody here who can shed some light on this topic. In Spanish-speaking countries do retail employees typically address their customers with more formal, usted language?

Thank You

Nathan

Why does the lesson say to use Hay with “It is foggy” but Está with “It is sunny”? I would think both would use Está  

Also the lesson says to use Hay when it is followed by a noun, but Foggy is an adjective. 

Thanks for your help!

It sounds strange to me to say Ellos fueron amigos. Isn't it better to say Ellos eran amigos, when there is no time specification?