I have studied a little Japanese and I understand where your concern comes from. Japanese has many ways of saying things. Some formal and informal with varying degrees of politeness. When speaking to a stranger you use the most polite form possible. Luckily in english all you need to say to be polite in almost any situation is "Please" and "Thank you".

Also we love when you make funny faces. ☆ﾐ(o*･ω･)ﾉｲｯﾃｷﾏ-ｽ!!