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Sign up with Google Sign up with FacebookQ: Do you say hello/acknowledge other foreigners when you walk past each other?
Where I am (Hangzhou) there's quite a few foreigners but the kind of number that would make you see some everyday. Whenever I walk past one I feel there's this mixed feeling of "I won't say hi. Why should I? Just because he's another foreigner?" and "should I? shouldn't I?" And more often than not when we actually make eye contact there's that awkward feeling that makes both parties instantly look away.
No I don't, unless it's someone cute who I want to chat up. Otherwise, why bother? I really don't want to initiate a pointless conversation with a complete stranger and we all know how that conversation goes: How long have you been here, what are you doing here etc.
I give a "Hello" and a smile, like I do with everyone who looks moderately interesting. The only time I don't is if the dude is 50s, unkempt, and looks angry at life. I live in a tier 4, so I see another (non-Korean or Japanese) foreigner once a week or so.
LOL, I think alot of expats feel the same way. When I first arrived in Shanghai I thought other foreigners would be a bit more friendly and speak, but it turns out thats not the case. If eye contact is made or if I'm in a small space, like an elevator, I'll speak; But I wont go out of my way. To be honest I tend to speak to black people more so than others cause theres not that many of us. Well thats my two cents.
To steal a line from mArtiAn that I enjoyed: I generally spit at their feet and hoof them casually in the crotch.
...Maybe if we're all at a bar, but in passing, no not really.
I usually smile or say hi about 75% of the time. Some people just give off terrible vibes and I generally pick up on that and just glance away before we've made too much eye contact lol.
sorrel:
I smile, and if the other foreigner smiles back, it is usually because they are also working there and understand. The tourists tend to scowl back, if at all.
No, why would I? Just because we're abroad doesn't mean we're in some special club or that I know them. If someone says hello to me then I'd return the gesture, I'm not a jerk. But I agree, I think there is a weird tension between foreigners when they bump into each other here. If someone is speaking with a northern English accent I might ask where they're from though.
SoFresh:
I agree with the weird tension. I've notice myself and other foreigners always tend to make quick/weird/akward eye contact. I guess it'se because we stand out and we both know we stand out. But yeah it would be weird to talk to them cause you don't know them....hence the whole situation just becomes kinda weird lol
No, but I generally try to smile to everyone I pass on the street. (of course not on BCDs where I do my best in looking angry)
This is weird because as you all know didn't you always learn not to talk to strangers? So why would I and what is the point? If you say 'Hi' at least have a conversation with the person.
Nope, only time I ever talk to strangers is if it's a social setting like a bar or restaurant where it's pretty normal to talk to random people.
I do notice though that I tend to stare at foreigners or "notice" them a lot more. I feel China has given me that bad habbit.
I ask them "What the f*** are YOU doing here?"
No one ever responds.
What's with all the crazy foreigners who come here and refuse to acknowledge my greatness?
I always say hello and acknowledge them. If they refuse to acknowledge me, then I trip them and yell in Chinese, "This foreigner cursed China, loves Japan, and stole everyone's woman. HE EVEN DRIVES A TOYOTA!!!!" That usually ends with them getting rage-stomped against the street light poles.
Teach them to ignore me.
Nancy24:
LOL !!!Usually i am more of an observer ..but i tend to follow up your comments..you make me laugh most of the time.:-)
When I'm with my girlfriend she's all "Oh my, there's a foreigner, won't you say hi to him/her?" as if we are a rare animal...
Back in my home country I don't say "Hello" to every single person that happens to walk by... so why should I do it here? Is there any kind of secret cult that I'm unaware of?
Of course if someone talks to me I will answer... no need to be rude now, do we?
I thought foreigners would be friendlier to each other here, but after being here for 5 years, I've given up. Most foreigners are so introverted and neurotic that they can't conceive that a stranger should be acknowledged in any way. I always smile or laugh when I see a foreigner, they're just so damn funny that way! Rarely one will actually pull his or her head out of their smart phone and mumble some sort of greeting, as though I'll beat the living shit out of them if they actually showed any kind of kindness or friendliness. It's pretty much the same as in the U.S., where people pretty much hate everyone else that don't share the same DNA or body fluids. The fact that I'm almost 60 years old makes it doubly frightening, I'm sure. What kind of madman would actually be in China at age 60??????
I usually pull out my sword and yell ''there can be only one''
Xpat.John:
That is until another foreigner is found buried in a mountain someplace. There there can only be 1 again.