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Monday, January 17, 2011

Chinese Culture - #12: And thou shall count to three

View Chinese Culture - #1 for an explanation of this series.

Chinese Practice: Offer three times before giving up

When offering a gift to a Chinese person, you must offer it at least three times - insisting more each time that the recipient accept the gift. Only after being rejected all three times are you free to stop. With some, you may continue the offer a few times more. But three is basically the minimum times to make the offer.

It is also best, if it is a gift, to offer it with both hands. It shows that you value the gift and the recipient,

Chinese are very independent and self-sufficient, and do not want to appear to be in need of anything. So they will always first refuse any gift. Keep offering it, at least three times, so show respect and how important they are to you - no matter what the gift.

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