You might have never been in fear, but were you ever stoked? And I mean genuinely socially stoked, not the monetary excitement after winning at the casino.
Violence is a big predictor of strong sentiments among the populace.
If you don't risk taking punches and kicks, you'll hardly get the reward of hugs and kisses.
Social volatilty gives socially competent people a good opportunity to capitalize on their competence. Nowhere is this ever more clear than places like Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico...
A socially competent person will make friends and romantic relationships as soon as they get off the plane.
A socially incompetent person will get robbed and risk mugging, again as soon as they get off the plane.
The so called dangerous places are also the fun places.