You're so pretty. You're so smart. Let's be friends!
Meaningless flattery is kind of a think here in China. Like, apparently it's just part of the culture? And somehow that is one of the most frustrating things I have to deal with during my stay here. It honestly makes me a little crazy.
Especially when people compliment my Mandarin skills. Probably that sounds weird but let me show you how it's happening.
In an elevator
Chinese person (who happens to be by the buttons): Which floor?
Me: Twelve.
Chinese person: Oh wow! You speak Chinese very well!
And I think the reason it bugs me so much isn't just the insincerity, but also the fact that I'm actually learning the language. I know what I sound like. I'm not saying people have to give me concrit, you could just not say anything at all. I wouldn't be offended.
This post is brought to you today by the fact that I have class in 2 hours. :D
This entry is a clone of a post on dreamwidth. Comment where you wanna.
Especially when people compliment my Mandarin skills. Probably that sounds weird but let me show you how it's happening.
In an elevator
Chinese person (who happens to be by the buttons): Which floor?
Me: Twelve.
Chinese person: Oh wow! You speak Chinese very well!
And I think the reason it bugs me so much isn't just the insincerity, but also the fact that I'm actually learning the language. I know what I sound like. I'm not saying people have to give me concrit, you could just not say anything at all. I wouldn't be offended.
This post is brought to you today by the fact that I have class in 2 hours. :D
This entry is a clone of a post on dreamwidth. Comment where you wanna.