Hinching

Figure 1. Dad says “Just now the daughter not bad. Very polite.”

When my parents are introduced to my sister’s friend’s family, it couldn’t get any better than this. The family consisted a dad, a mum, a daughter and a son.

Dad: Just now Uncle A’s daughter not bad. Very polite.
Mum: Consider, consider.

Figure 2. Mum looks at me from the car mirror “Consider, consider.”

One Sunday afternoon, we were invited to Uncle A’s open house–a recently renovated house not too far from City Mall. The conversation started when we were eating on the same table. “You have raised such polite and good-looking children,” Dad complimented.

In good fashion, when one is given a compliment, the compliment is returned with another one. “Same to you. You have a fine chap here too and a beautiful daughter”. My sister and I exchanged eye contact with a long sigh.

Does your parent act differently during Chinese New Year or perhaps you’ve been answering ‘When are you getting married’ questions a bit too much?