Cultural Differences

[Travelpro 3]

Hi VJ,

I would love to hear the biggest cultural differences experienced with their new spouses after arrival in the US. I feel I'm very open as I travel internationally for work but at the same time I have little patience sometimes which is critical when dealing with other cultures. Been working for a Japanese company in the US for the last 8 years in an office of 6 and I'm the only non-Japanese. So I can deal with cultural differences maybe 98% of the time. That 2% drives me crazy.

Any that frustrate you? For example, the whole time thing. There is Filipino time and American time and I don't mean with regards to time zones. If I schedule something like a skype call, I have to remind her I mean 6pm "American" time. Or when we are together and I ask her, "what time is it". She will reply "its 4pm" when actually its 4:45pm.

Or I ask her how much did you spend and she will reply 5000php "plus". I love that one. Is that 5100 or 5900???

Anyway, I have made 4 visits to see her since November and these are the ones that stick out the most. I wonder what the big ones are after their arrival in US. I have read the thread "how are they adjusting" but I'm more interested in cultural difference as people not how they adjust to US; if there is a difference. I guess I'd like to know what to prepare for.

Cheers!

Jeff

[Hank_ 9,174]

Ah yes breaking it to you in snippets....

[Travelpro 3]

Ah yes breaking it to you in snippets....

That's how I like it!

[Wariza 8]

Claire uses the term too much to mean many or a lot.

She was watching my father can tomatoes the other day and she saw many of them in the boiling water and she said "that's too much". He looked at her like I know what I am doing. I had to explain that she wasn't telling him he was doing it wrong, just that it is was a lot of tomatoes. )

[Hank_ 9,174]

One thing to remember, English is a 2nd language and consideration should be given to that.

[cjmc 10]

Yes, the way some English words are used by Filipino's can be very interesting :-)

cjmc

[dale_trisha 3]

the Philipino time and PhP + are minor items.

Have you seen tampo yet?

How about the reverse use of he or she.

as pointed out english is second langague for most.

And there will be cultural differences.

Best thing to do it admit to each other there will be and to discuss them. They may be items that can not be changed but at least your aware of them.

[dale_trisha 3]

lest we forget about food, travel, traffic, etc. etc.

When Trisha came over hear I had a check list for items that we needed to review such as laundry, smoke detectors, garage door openers, garbage disposals, the list is long depeindg upon the background of your asawa. But is is also fun. I would do it all over again.

[cjmc 10]

I agree....exploring the differences is fun, as long as you are open minded to change and helping the other understand.....it's all about good communications :-)

cjmc

[Hank_ 9,174]

And then there is driving....

My wife had never drove before, and I have a long bed double cab truck... guess what she learned to drive in? And yup she has her driver's license.

[cjmc 10]

And then there is driving....

My wife had never drove before, and I have a long bed double cab truck... guess what she learned to drive in? And yup she has her driver's license.

Wow !!! Would have loved to seen her do the parallel packing test :-)

cjmc

[jmgiddyup 2]

"open" the light

[Hank_ 9,174]

Wow !!! Would have loved to seen her do the parallel packing test :-)

cjmc

She can do it .... all day long! Shocked the heck out of the instructor as well.

I have video of her doing it, but its a big file.

"open" the light

yes ~ exactly

Edited July 18, 2013 by Hank_

[Travelpro 3]

Claire uses the term too much to mean many or a lot.

She was watching my father can tomatoes the other day and she saw many of them in the boiling water and she said "that's too much". He looked at her like I know what I am doing. I had to explain that she wasn't telling him he was doing it wrong, just that it is was a lot of tomatoes. )

Ahh, yes. Now that you mention that one...

[Travelpro 3]

@dale

Yes, its all in good fun. I should have used a different word rather than "frustrating".

Just curious about peoples experiences.