This is very interesting and in many ways hard to describe accurately phenomena but it occurs when the one person does not want to loose face with the other or each other……….a phenomena that in the majority of cases is oriental.

I generelize ofcourse but its occurs here(in Hong Kong) on a dailly bassis.

If you are a body language oppertunist then its a haven for research.

Here is a simple example;

We have many stores here that sell the English Morning papers,on the way to the office I usually stop at the same place to buy a paper.The owner’s mothers is always in attendance but never serves me,I can only assume that this is because I am foreing,however the guy is quite friendly and we do small talk in both Cantonese and English.

Last week I just came back from Singapore and because its early morning rush hour my bags cause an obstruction in the shop while I waited to pay for my paper.I did not have enough small change and left a larger ammount which I knew would cover it and left.

After a few minutes Mr.XX came running after me with the change ,presumable leaving his mother behind.

He said a strange thing to me which was “don’t insult my mother by being impatient” gave me the change and left.Somewhat puzzled I asked a Chinese friend to explain.

Apparently his mother has some issues with foreigners and she felt slighted because she thought I left a tip.

I thought I was being helpfull by not blocking the shop with my bags,they thought I was being impatient.

Hey Ho.

lee du ploy