Very interesting Sofia, and have subscribed. Your musings range well across differences and I love the hedgehogs. Am feeling prickly at the moment! But snug in bed browsing and connecting.
I grew up in a culture that fosters "positive face," and now live here in America where "negative space" feels more dominant. I see the difference again and again, even in the most fleeting of human interactions. An American born friend told me, just the other day, that her adult son had asked if it was alright to come for a visit a day ahead of schedule this past holiday season. Never, in my native country would that question be asked. Over there, you belong in your parents' home, forever, and come and go as you please!
Thank you, Yasmin, for reading. As in many societies, in my native Greece and in Iran the situation is largely as you describe in your native country, which is brought into relief upon contact with a differently oriented society. Understanding, if not espousing, the differences may contribute to smoother relationships. Thank you for your comment and anecdote!
Very interesting Sofia, and have subscribed. Your musings range well across differences and I love the hedgehogs. Am feeling prickly at the moment! But snug in bed browsing and connecting.
Thank you for reading, Georgina! It's that time of the year to feel prickly...something exciting this way comes...
I grew up in a culture that fosters "positive face," and now live here in America where "negative space" feels more dominant. I see the difference again and again, even in the most fleeting of human interactions. An American born friend told me, just the other day, that her adult son had asked if it was alright to come for a visit a day ahead of schedule this past holiday season. Never, in my native country would that question be asked. Over there, you belong in your parents' home, forever, and come and go as you please!
Thank you, Yasmin, for reading. As in many societies, in my native Greece and in Iran the situation is largely as you describe in your native country, which is brought into relief upon contact with a differently oriented society. Understanding, if not espousing, the differences may contribute to smoother relationships. Thank you for your comment and anecdote!