My first blog entry will be to tell you about a cross culture learning experience I had when I was only 10 years old.

I spent the first 10 years of my life in Taiwan, a country I still fondly remember as home. Growing up in Taiwan I learned Chinese manners. I learned that if you are visiting someone and they offer you something you should always refuse. In fact you should refuse at least two or three times before reluctantly accepting what is offered.

I was visiting my grandmother in America. I had newly arrived in the country from Taiwan. My grandmother produced the biggest box of assorted chocolates I had ever seen in my life. My eyes got big. My stomach began immediately anticipating the delicacy. My grandmother approached me with the box. Dutifully, like the good Chinese (on the inside) that I was, I politely refused.

I was absolutely horrified when she quietly turned away and put the box on the shelf. I struggled to not burst into tears. She never asked me a second time!!!!!! How could that be?!?!?!? Why????? Was it that she really didn't want me to have the chocolate???? Was she just trying to be polite offering me just once???? My child's mind was spinning, trying to make sense of it all. My devastation knew no bounds.

It was not until much later that I learned that in America they have a different culture, a different way of expressing manners. In America people never refuse.....even once....when they are offered something, if they truly want it. They say, "Yes, thank you."

That was a lesson I will remember until the day I die. My grandmother is no longer alive. She never knew how devastated I was. She probably never even remembered the incident......the incident that is tatooed into my memory forever.