Top 20 Things to Keep in Mind when Visiting Emily's Parents
1. Always greet Parents by Mr. and Mrs. Yen. Always. Each and Every time you meet said parents.
2. Before leaving the table (either breakfast, lunch or dinner) always tell hosts politely that you are leaving to do whatever it is you need to do. Never just stand up and leave, without so much as a word of communication.
3. Make sure you bring your plate/bowl and utensils to the sink. Offer to help wash just to kiss up, because you know they would never let you do it anyway.
4. Smile and look at them in the eyes as a gesture of friendliness. Do not give in to the temptation of looking at your feet and study the dirt on your socks. Not a good impression to make.
5. Always thank the parents politely after a meal shared together, because as hosts, they will either be treating you at a restaurant or hosting you at home. Thank them and tell them the food was good.
6. Make an effort to engage in conversation. Even in broken Chinese. Apologize with puppy eyes about how you need to practice more on it. However they will forgive you for the effort you make.
7. When visiting and staying over at someone's place (particularly if they are Chinese and of the older generation) be sure to bring a token gift as gesture of your appreciation and goodwill. It can be fruit, flowers, or wine. Keep it simple. Practically anything will do.
8. Talk about me once in a while. Show them that you actually know who you are dating. Say good things of course. Or as conversation starter, you can say, "Emily tells me this...blah blah blah" This shows that you pay attention and remember what is said. Double bonus.
9. When leaving, always make sure you leave the place in the same way you found it - immaculate. Make the bed, clear off any debris. Make sure no trash is littering the floor.
10. Say goodbye, thank them politely, smile, look them in the eyes, say their names, say you had a wonderful time and you hope to be able to visit them again. KISS UP as best as you know how.
3 comments:
What's with the bring of gifts? Do I look like a wiseman to you? Should I bring some gold, frankenstein, and murr?
This is just the rules dictated by social decorum. It's not meaningful in and of itself, but you need to see that it matters to some people, and those people's approvals should matter to you. =P
Nobody commented on frankenstein.....
-Wise man #2
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