Feel Good Blogging Challenge #3: A Tutorial Post

Image Courtesy Alex Beadon

As part of Alex Beadon’s Feel Good Blogging Challenge, this post marks the day 3 prompt. When I first saw it, I tried to think of something to teach that someone one else would actually be interested in learning. As I lack creativity brain cells, it took me a while to come up with something. Something that wouldn’t be “faking” it just to post something. But I couldn’t really think of an interesting tutorial…even with my “tutorial” below, I don’t even think this it is very interesting .I considered not posting a response for the day 3 challenge, but here you go.

This tutorial is more of an informative/best practices guide when entering an Asian Household. As the American population is becoming more diversified and unique, I can only guess that the number of 100% Asian households are dwindling. While it may be more common in different areas of the US than others, I’m sure at one point, you’ve been to an Asian household and didn’t really know what to expect. (Perhaps one in which the grandparents lived there and didn’t speak English and ‘dictated’ the home.) Also, this is my opinion from living in Thailand and visiting family friends in America, so this may or may not be representative to all Asian cultures. But here it goes…

5 Tips to Remember when Entering an Asian Household

1. Take off your shoes. This is the number one rule when entering any Asian household. I highly suggest doing this even if your host encourage you to do whatever feels comfortable (unless maybe you have really bad foot odor or something). Taking off your shoes shows right off the bat that you respect their home and your genuine desire to respect its inhabitants and their desire to keep it clean.

2. Be respectful to elders. And by elders, I mean anyone not in the same relative age group, or parents of the person you’re visiting. In the American culture, I’ve seen instances where people do not have any respect for those older than them. In many Asian countries, there are certain words (prefixes, if you will) that you place before the person’s name when addressing them. There’s a prefix for addressing those older (and younger) than you. Also, each family member has a title, so for example, your grandma on your dad’s side is called something different than the one on your mom’s side (which makes it easy so you can just say the title, and people know which one you’re talking about). While you may not have the chance to talk to the elders in the house, still show respect for them by acknowledging their presence. A simple hello or smile goes a long way.

3. Be mindful of your surroundings. Sometimes there will be memorabilia or different types of artwork from their culture or native country. Take the time to ask about it. You might learn something new!

4. Be open to trying new foods. Not much needs to be said about this one….all cultures have foods that you’re not used to. In Thailand, after you greet a friend or someone visiting your house, you almost always ask if they’ve eaten. Even before the how are you’s and stuff…If they offer food, try it! I’m not the best at this, but it’s always rude to not eat when someone has prepared a meal for you. (I recently re-tried sushi {shrimp tempura roll} and I like it. I’m a picky eater anyways, but I’m trying to be better!)

5. Have a good time! There have been times when I’ve been to other people’s house and didn’t feel comfortable because things felt strange and different than what I’m used to. But as long as you have an open mind and make the most out of your visit, I guarantee you’ll enjoy your time and maybe even learn something.

Join the conversation!
-Do you have any additional tips to add to the list?
-What food/dishes have you tried and like that you didn’t think you would enjoy?