Where does the rumor come from that most people are friendly here in Taiwan? All the strangers I encounter are always short with me, stare without smiling, don’t hold elevators even when they see me coming, and in general just seem really fake. I don’t know how to describe it like they will act nice to your face then as soon as you leave will talk about you behind your back.
Just having a bad day I guess…
My experience is of generally very friendly people. However, I’m a limey so my main comparison is Brits.
I just don’t think Taiwanese are polite that way. They are polite as in they don’t get into fights with you but that’s mainly the white collar types. The blue collar types are quite blunt.
You in the city? Taipei residents can be on the grumpier side.
Are you looking like a bum? People tend to treat you better if you’re looking good.
Or if you’re three times their size.
When I see a foreigner of particularly impressive mass I always wonder if it’s rooftopclown.
this before or after you give the guy the middle finger?
It is noted every time I go into Taipei. Probably true of most capital cities.
hmmm maybe I should shave…
I’m definitely grumpier here when I’ve gone without a little vacation away for too long. But it mostly just depends on how many slow walkers I find myself stuck behind on a given day.
Maybe it’s you.
Slow walkers irritate you? Wrong country to be in.
It’s kind of a shitty truth. People treat you better if you look good. Some of it is genetic, I have friends that are so stupid. I mean so fucking stupid and irresponsible they always get into stupid trouble and fuck up. But no one ever holds them responsible and they are always given another chance because they are extremely good looking. But dressing presentable and not looking like a homeless person helps a lot to. If you dress like a CEO, people treat you like one.
Taiwanese are hospitable. They are not friendly. There is a difference.
It would be quite a subtle difference.
ergh
clowns are racist now haven’t you heard. Do keep up
Friendly and laid back in the South.
Every one looks like a bum, cheap poorly made Taiwanese clothing is the norm looks 10 years old after 2 washes.