• peopleproblems@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    2 months ago

    Woah, hold on. There’s something here.

    It’s a business transaction, sure. But the social interaction, while to us seems like sarcastic exaggerating, is humorous complimenting. In order to do that, it has to be language you can use frequently and honestly.

    This is doing wonders for his mental health, likely because part of his thoughts are “what could I say to make ME feel more complimented than that.” He’s actively using positive self talk unconsciously.

  • captainlezbian@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 months ago

    The aggressive compliments are one of the things I’ve always appreciated about middle eastern cultures. Does it feel silly if you aren’t used to it? Of course. But it’s just nice to be around and enjoyable to reciprocate

  • andrew_bidlaw@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 months ago

    Is that some kind of eastern or muslim-aligned thing, or maybe have something with a climate? In western Russia you sometimes meet (mostly elderly) caucasian dudes from eastern parts and bordering countries who talk a little like that, while natives seldom talk at all besides what’s needed. Is that some shared cultural custom in the region?

    I kinda like that.

    • PugJesus@lemmy.worldOP
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      2 months ago

      I think it is a Middle Eastern thing. Something like cultural hospitality and the connection of social/community and economic ties. “Business is personal” is how I heard a friend who was in Iraq say it.

  • chalupapocalypse@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 months ago

    I love this, my quick stop guy smiles whenever I walk in, but he doesn’t speak much English. I’d love to get him pistachios

    • porous_grey_matter@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      2 months ago

      He probably understands much more than what he can say, production is always the hardest part of language learning. I’m sure saying something nice with a smile is unlikely to be taken the wrong way.

    • 4lan@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      2 months ago

      I never thought about how seldom men get compliments and stuff until some random girl complimented my thick eyebrows 😂

      I will never forget that ego boost, was flying high for days lol

  • sazey@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    2 months ago

    During one of the lowest ebbs in my life, I subconsciously and unknowingly sustained myself simply by buying one extra dessert (ice cream, chocolate, something sweet and inocuous) for the doormen at my building. This small act of human bonding would give me enough energy to face tomorrow without dreading it, and little by little I was able to dig myself out of a deep hole.

    The point of this parable is, do not underestimate the value of human connection! A very small act may turn someone’s day around and that energy is reflected back to you in droves.