Asia's Proclivities

Accepting the differences

One aspect of living in a foreign country is learning to be tolerant to customs or habits. It can offend you at first but after a while, it does not seem so terrible and you learn to go with the flow. What is acceptable in one country may not be in another. We all have read before how burping is either adequate or offensive. Well, here are a few more insightful situations to reflect on. Take out your sense of humor and enjoy!

Tissue Paper

Saving tissue paper is important. Picking your nose with your fingers is a much more acceptable way. Clothes can be washed.

Toilets/Squatting

Squatting to do your private business does not require washing your hands afterward. Children can squat in public. No offense taken. It is actually really a time to giggle and enjoy the moment.

Staring

Staring at people is not rude. From head to toe, side to side, take your time. It's free!

Toothpick

Freely tooth-picking food off your teeth is acceptable table manners, as long as you cover your mouth with the other hand. Moreover, it is a great way of bonding with your guests.

Parking

Driving a car. Park wherever and however you want. Tolerance and patience practiced here!

Riding a scooter

Wearing clean clothes while driving a scooter is the law. It creates a better scenic view for those driving in a car.

Helmet

Helmet required if driving a scooter. Kid's helmet optional. That makes sense, they do not drive, right?

Red light

Stopping at a red light is the law but optional if you think it is safe to go ahead anyway.

Green light

Going ahead on a green light is the law but at your own risk. Refer to previous point.

Yellow

The yellow light seems to be considered as a grace period, go ahead. Quick you can make it!

Eating etiquette

Eating with your mouth widely open is cool. Feel free to talk as well, no one will be offended. Going to the restaurant? It will save you from reading the menu.

Guest etiquette

Taking off your shoes before entering a house is respectful. Parking your scooter in the living room overnight is smart. That totally makes sense!

Lining up, what is that?

Withstanding the supermarket, bank, and fast-food line-ups is at times grueling. Directions for lining up: Do not line up, push, give your money first and confuse the teller, cut in, you have to be number one. Do whatever it takes.

In conclusion, living in a foreign country brings quite a few challenges but widens your horizons. Customs, habits often differ from our home country. To judge other cultures would be unfair. All cultures bring humor to someone foreign to its culture. It is just an adventure brings laughter, surprise, wonder and new friends.