Paige: how's your time spent in the United States?
Kyle: well, pretty good.
P: I'm glad to hear that. What impressed you most?
K: well, the cultural differences impressed me most.
P: you mean we Chinese think differently from the Americans?
K: that's right, quite different. One day one of my American friend looked pale, so I asked him whether he was sick or not. But he was reluctant to answer my question.
P: what's weird.
K: and what's more, when he told me he had caught a cold for several days, I suggested him to go to the hospital as soon as possible.
P: you really cared about your friend.
K: sure I am. But he responded by saying'what do you mean?'.
P: I'm confused. Why did he say that?
K: I felt the same at first. Later he told me that I'd better not give him any suggestions when he was sick. Offering unsolicited help or advice is like showing sympathy to the weak or the poor. Back in China, helping others is always regarded being kind.
P: absolutely. Now I understand why he responded that way.
|