So there I am. Nothing new. The round table, drinking baijiu, new acquaintances. Older, very friendly guys. Warm and funny. Huge smiles all around. After a toast, the top guy refills my glass. Blurry eyed, he says, “We Chinese are friendly people”. It’s a statement, but a question. He’s seeking approval. I get this on almost a daily basis. Usually it’s asking me to approve of some adjective Chinese describe themselves with - usually “friendly”, “kind”, or “smart”. I’m drunk but even if I wasn’t I’d have to agree. Yes, Chinese are super friendly (kind and smart as well). I say yes and he announces to the rest of the table, “Did you hear that? He said Chinese people are friendly”. Everyone is happy and we down another shot.

Masturbatory thinking and classic mei banfa.

My point lay not in the adjective, but in the process. Even “westerners” know that it’s not good manner to praise yourself. That is, unless someone else is trying to degrade you. And even then it might be best to keep your mouth shut and let your record, or at least others speak for you.