Watching the English

Sub-title: The hidden rules of English behaviour

See if I can finish this book before I leave.
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Aug 27.
Coversation Code:

1. Weather Talk
Talkling aboout weather is always the start of conversation. It functions as:1. simple greeting 2. ice-breaker 3. when u have nothingelse to say.

Example:
A: Cold, isn't it? (hello, I'd like to talk to u)
B: Yes, but at least it's not raining.

2. Grooming Talk

No-name rule:
Hello, I am Bill, fom California (Ok, you're American)
Goodbye, eh..I didn't catch your name...Oh, I am Bill, by the way (Umm, you're British)

Guessing-game rule:
It's not allowed to ask directly, What do you do? Instead.....
A:The traffic was terrible, do u drive to work.
B: Yes, but I work at a hospital, at least I don't have to get in to the town centre.
A: Oh, you're a doctor, then (guess the highest status one)

Female bonding (Counter compliment rule)
A:Oh, I like your hairdo. I wish I had a straight hair like yours...
B:No, my hair is terrible. I wish I could have it short like you...

Male bonding (Mine's better than yours rule)

Long goodbye rule:
Well, see u soon...Oh,yes, we must..goodbye...thanks again...lovely time...must leave, traffic...Fine, really...you must come around to us next time...I'll email u tomorrow...
(God, I thought they were never going to go)