This phrase has become so common that it actually has made it into my daily routine. Whether I’m speaking with family or co-workers, it’s a simple, but nice way to show you are doing what you can to put yourself on their side of the world. While I’m walking to work at 8am in Hong Kong, I often speak with my parents in the US who are just about to sit down for dinner at 6pm. Or when I’m talking with colleagues on a conference call at 10pm, they are often just getting into the Minneapolis office at 8am (fresh and ready to go with their morning coffee!).
I have the luxury (or torture) of knowing what the freezing cold winter in MN feels like, but many of those I speak to have not made it over to Hong Kong and do not know what the weather is like, nor what we experience on a daily basis. However, those that make an effort to show awareness, compassion and understanding often try to put themselves in others shoes. I personally find that this is not easy to do, yet it is a skill I’m trying to improve at. I find that natural curiosity, asking questions and being interested in other cultures and backgrounds is a helpful way to start a connection and find a common ground. The American mindset is often one that can be self-focused. We have an expectation for others to know about us, but how much do we actually know about other cultures? How much do we care to know?
I recently was in China for work and found myself needing to ask someone a simple question. In the business park our office is located, there was an information desk with a friendly young woman waiting to help. I walked up and said ‘ni hao’ (hello) using the little Chinese I know. Then asked her ‘Do you speak english?’ thinking that someone at an information desk must. She smiled and as I waited for her to say yes, she responded with a friendly ‘No, do you speak Chinese?’ (note: her little amount of english was said with perfect clarity).
Lori and I are nearing year two of our living abroad journey. We have been blessed with many experiences. Learning about the complexities and similarities of other cultures and meeting people from around the world has easily been the best part. The benefit of the US is that it’s a melting pot of these cultures. People from various backgrounds, virtually every country, sub-cultures within a global culture. It’s all there. What can you do to experience and learn more about other cultures? Or share with others about yours?
We are close to the 6 month mark in Hong Kong and enjoying the food, people and wonderful hiking trails. This will be our second Thanksgiving spent abroad (last year we celebrated in Bangalore). We are lucky to be spending this year with good friends we’ve met in Hong Kong and thankful for the continued life adventures.
Happy Thanksgiving!
