Meaning of being patted on the head

[wakamechang]

Dear all,

I've recently been patted on the head not once, but TWICE by my Japanese superior during a work dinner party (nomikai) . In my culture, head-patting is something not done to a non-personal friend, so I wonder what does it mean in Japanese culture? I'm a little worried that I might misunderstand something here.

[diego187]

My Japanese teacher also patted on my head several times, all of them when I did something good.

And where I live you don't do this to people, but I actually like it and never felt something was wrong.

[Sashimister]

Originally Posted by wakamechang

Dear all,

I've recently been patted on the head not once, but TWICE by my Japanese superior during a work dinner party (nomikai) . In my culture, head-patting is something not done to a non-personal friend, so I wonder what does it mean in Japanese culture? I'm a little worried that I might misunderstand something here.

It just means "Good boy!" or "Good girl!". Nothing negative is meant by it.
We don't normally do it to adults but since this was at a nomikai, they did it to you.

[wakamechang]

OH I see! Whew.

Well my superior is in his 40s (male) and I'm just early 20s (female). So I guess I can see the context now. I should feel pleased?... hehe :

Thanks a lot for replying.

[Unknown]

To some getting patted on the head is actaully a turn on

[JasonTakeshi]

Originally Posted by Unknown

To some getting patted on the head is actaully a turn on

Depends on t--

Oh crap. Nevermind.