Comments on: An Awkward Hug and No Chocolate

By: Turner

Turner — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:39:29 +0000

An air of mystery about this story. I like it.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:44:19 +0000

@Colin–I think Tim and Julie are both right on. Approach people respectfully and pay attention to their responses–if they seem uncomfortable, change the subject, stop hugging them, put your shirt on, whatever. And look around you when you’re on the street or in a cafe: how do locals interact with each other? Do they greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, a handshake, a hug? What’s personal space like? And so on.

But all that said, don’t worry! People will understand that you’re from somewhere else and forgive your good-hearted faux pas.

By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:20:48 +0000

Love it. You write so well, Teresa.

Inappropriate behavior abroad? Probably people asking probing questions about awkward topics in Japan, when the person answering is being politely evasive. You need to know when to back off.

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:52:47 +0000

@Teresa: One of the reasons why I love your writing is because in every piece I feel as if I’m there, experiencing the awkward or incredible moment you’re telling the reader about.

@Colin: Colin, I don’t think you need to worry. It’s all about the attitude with which you’re approaching the other person– you seem to be a thoughtful, respectful guy (and not to mention the fact that you don’t have orange hair). I don’t think you’ll offend anyone.

By: Colin Wright

Colin Wright — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:35:01 +0000

Yeesh, I’m terrified I’ll commit a faux pas like this when I leave for Argentina in September. I guess you live and you learn, but I’d really like to avoid offending people (but at the same time don’t want to come across as too reserved or unfriendly). Aside from using the correct form of ‘you,’ any other quick tips on how to do this?

By: Carlo

Carlo — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:57:06 +0000

Beautiful Teresa!