I actually don't know if this is the case all over China or just some parts, but I've seen it mentioned in a lot of places.

Salsa: https://satwcomic.com/manners-are-important

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[–] 1 point 7 months ago* (4 children)

As an American with no social skills whatsoever, I get confused & annoyed when people offer me a beverage when I arrive at their house. Like why do they think I'm suddenly thirsty?

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  • [–] 10 points 7 months ago*

    Presumably you had to travel to get there. It's likely you didn't have anything to drink while travelling. So they offer you a drink.

    Also, it's nice to sit and chat while enjoying a drink, whether that is a warm drink (coffee, tea, whatever), a cold drink (water, juice, soda, whatever), or an alcoholic drink (beer, wine, whatever).

    Edit: Also why are you annoyed? If you don't want anything a simple "nothing for me, thanks" is fine and shouldn't put you out too much!

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  • [–] 3 points 7 months ago

    i'm interested in this. as a southerner, i offer everyone water when they arrive at my house because water is a basic human need and most people won't ask for it when they need it because it can be a struggle to get it and they don't want to put me out. it's just like… a little showing of mutual respect and love for our shared struggle that takes not much to offer. if we're eating, i'll offer you food to.

    if i don't offer you water i'm communicating in the southern way that you are not welcome and your presence in my household has been imposed on me. i go by the standard Nikki Giovanni taught me: everyone gets fed, racists can fetch their own water.

    but i acknowlege this is likely a cultural difference. my wife hates this pattern of showing solidarity and finds it confusing. so like… how do you and your people demonstrate that someone is welcome in your space?

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