[xceeding]

When I receive what I call "over-reaching hospitality" from a Japanese person it's hard to criticize because I know in their heart they are trying to be nice and are looking out for my well-being.

I am a 51 year old man who has been married 23 years to a Japanese woman whom I met during my first visit to Japan in 1979. (Let this be a warning to you single guys considering visiting Japan!)

My 15-year-old son who is perfect bilingual and doesn't look Japanese, especially being 6'1" tall, often comments that Japanese people won't respond back to him in Japanese when he speaks. I thought it was just me who experienced this and I only speak simple Japanese!

My Japanese in-laws are wonderful people, but I wish they would treat me like a member of the family rather than an "honored guest." They say things like, "Sorry, no bread tonight. Is rice okay?" And I say, "Yes, of course." For the millionth time! They often bark at the waiter or waitress at a restaurant to bring the foreigner a fork, while my son laughs out loud and I just smile, knowing they mean well.

I love the street side vendors in Japan that sell barbeque squid. I often have people stare at me as I eat my squid. Yes, I like Japanese food! But I smile and supress a laugh when Japanese people ask me, "Can you eat Japanese food, even SUSHI?"

There are parts of Japan that don't see foreigners often, and the stereotypes can be amusing. I admit, I've had some stereotypes of Japanese people as well.

Why is this in the relationship section? The stereotypes and what I call "over-reaching hospitality" come from my relationships with the Japanese people that I've met over the years; my friends, my wife, and my in-laws in Japan.

I appreciate the thoughtful replies to my thread. I thank you!

I wish the "flame-fiends" well.