Expressing Respect and Forging Friendships

The Chinese style of eating，in which everyone gathers around a table to eat out of common serving dishes，is an embodiment of the collective spirit.The food serves as a medium of communication as the diners comment on the dishes，offer toasts，and pass each other choice tidbits in an atmosphere of mutual harmony.

It has been said that people reveal their true nature when they’re playing games.But Chinese people think that character is most clearly expressed during meals.Eating collectively out of common dishes requires cooperation and mutual respect.Confucius said，”The superior person gives much to others and keeps little for self，put others first and self last.”The same principles apply to Chinese dining traditions.People who start eating before everyone else，take the best food for themselves，or don’t press more food on the other diners are considered rude and inhospitable.During a meal，offering others the best of every dish and repeatedly urging them to”Have some more！”expresses respect and forges friendships.

qingquang

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