[liberalh8ter]

Yes, we do allow personal space! That's what I was trying to convey to my son as far as cultural differences. Perhaps America needs to publish a etiquette guide for foreign tourists visiting America, as well.

[Veto!]

Perhaps America needs to publish a etiquette guide for foreign tourists visiting America, as well.

And that is an excellent idea. Chapter ONe could be "Personal Space." I don't know whether that concept exists in other countries.

[snoringbear]

“Yes, we do allow personal space! That’s what I was trying to convey to my son as far as cultural differences. Perhaps America needs to publish a etiquette guide for foreign tourists visiting America, as well. “

Forget about teaching Chinese about western perceptions of personal space. I lived in Shanghai for two years and at upon arriving took the personal space issue on as a personal crusade but gave up after the first year or so. If standing in a line any opening appears greater than about three inches someone will attempt to squeeze in. When they would try this on me I would put a shoulder into them and knock them back out of line. Then, invariably I would get a feigned look of astonishment like “hey what’s the deal?” To give an example of Chinese thinking, there’s a running joke in China among American expats that goes like this; when approaching an intersection the last person to not look has the right of way. Actually this ain’t no joke....