In America, when people see acquaintances they haven't talked to for a while, it's typical social etiquette to suggest hanging out "Hey! it's been a while, we should hang out!"
However, actual desire to hang out is not implicit in this statement. It's just a part of the social norm to suggest. It doesn't mean you'll actually hang out.
It's similar to the "what's up" question... people don't actually want to know what's up... unless it can be shortened to one or two sentences.
Either of these two scenarios can be especially confusing for foreigners to the US, since they might very well take these things literally!
I tried testing this out with some of my American friends back home. I don't talk to them very often being here in Korea, and one of them recently suggested hanging out soon. The situation deems it unlikely we'll ever hang out, so I tried some social deviance!
I tried to defy social etiquette by following up and acting like I really wanted to make plans to hang out. The result was suprisingly humorous.
AngelaC,
ReplyDeleteThis comment doesn't have any relevance to your last post, but since I am not on facebook I thought I would leave you a message here. I happened upon your profile on Sovereign Grace Singles, and from there visited your blog. I simply wanted to let you know that you will have another brother in Christ beseeching the Lord to glorify himself in you, and praying that he will grant your ministry true success. Reading through your blog was encouraging and exhorting. It gives me joy (and challenges me) to see such selfless service, and to see a heart so fully committed and devoted to Christ alone. In fact, your attutude toward ministry and service reminds me of the attitude of Paul in I Corinthians 4:9-13. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you and the Korean people through you, to the praise of his glory.
God Bless you,
Kevin
Thanks Kevin, do you have a blog yourself?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't have a blog (I'm not sure why the blog symbol appeared next to my name when I posted my comment). It's funny that you should ask whether I have a blog though -- I'm so out of tune with the era of the internet that I don't even have a Facebook account. Notwithstanding, I am interested in what some have to say in the blog world; I occasionally read a small number of blogs, mostly dealing with topics in Reformed theology or philosophy. Your blog also struck me as interesting -- someone reporting on their experiences in their field of service, etc. I hope you don't mind my reading it! I also hope all is going well with you.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind at all! Feel free :) I'm sorry I don't post very often... I need to get better at that.
ReplyDelete