It’s reserved for really close friends (sometimes also relatives). The problem is not the extent of politeness per se, but one that exceeds the “expected” politeness. If you’re politer than you’re supposed to be, you are being too 客气 (“acting like a guest”) or 见外 (“looking like a stranger”).
Although, the expected politeness is sometimes tricky to know as it depends on each part’s perception of the relation. On top of that, there’s also the supposed “acting” of politeness, like fighting to pay restaurant bills.
This is actually not that hard to understand. Note that across cultures, close friends can insult each other as jokes. So showing less politeness is like an insult, but with the understanding of the participants, it becomes a show of closeness.
It’s reserved for really close friends (sometimes also relatives). The problem is not the extent of politeness per se, but one that exceeds the “expected” politeness. If you’re politer than you’re supposed to be, you are being too 客气 (“acting like a guest”) or 见外 (“looking like a stranger”).
Although, the expected politeness is sometimes tricky to know as it depends on each part’s perception of the relation. On top of that, there’s also the supposed “acting” of politeness, like fighting to pay restaurant bills.
This is actually not that hard to understand. Note that across cultures, close friends can insult each other as jokes. So showing less politeness is like an insult, but with the understanding of the participants, it becomes a show of closeness.
Send me $1000.
Great. I would be even more screwed in China.
I’m going to continue existing not needing to process this much social protocol.
Unless you’re a literal basement dweller, you’re processing this much social protocol every single day of your conscious life.
One more thing to freak out about. Which level of politeness is appropriate. Im polite by nature! Oh no, what if I’ve already offended people?!?
here are some tips on how to be less polite (in no particular order):
Seems easy to me, I just treat everyone like they owe me and it works out fine for me.