A nice parable from “The Messy Middle” on how this expat learned indirectness, a common cultural trait of some Asian cultures.

The dance of direct vs. indirect is such a funny one. I see it played out in churches all the time. Some are offended by the direct, others offended by the indirect.

When the nice church lady says “we’ve missed you at church” some feel controlled. If the acknowledgment of not being in church is missed others feel abandoned or uncared for. It’s an amazingly complicated dance of which there is often no sure solution.

Culture is complex and fascinating.