I was an enlisted guy in the Navy for 16 years and an officer for 10. As an enlisted man I saluted all officers. Easy-peasy, it was my duty and officers were few. But on a training base where enlisted outnumbered officers by maybe 200 to 1 I had the privilege to salute every officer O-4 and above and return salutes to everyone E-1 to E-9 and O-1 to O-2. Namasted to death. But duty is duty. I only felt pity for those who were left-handed.
LOL I so get this! I worked for Indians for years, and I almost instinctually - and very quickly - learned about the frequency of 'Namaste' usage. Say it often enough to be respectful, but not so often it feels scripted or insincere. Until you learn that balance... just say 'Hello.' ;-)
You make me think of the times I've been in Japan, where everyone bows you to death! I finally realized that, not being Japanese, I don't have to stop and bow every time - I can just nod acknowledgement. I asked the maitre d' of the hotel about it and he just laughed and said I didn't even have to do that. But it seemed nice, so I did it anyway. I think respecting service people is one of the most important things anyone can do.
I was an enlisted guy in the Navy for 16 years and an officer for 10. As an enlisted man I saluted all officers. Easy-peasy, it was my duty and officers were few. But on a training base where enlisted outnumbered officers by maybe 200 to 1 I had the privilege to salute every officer O-4 and above and return salutes to everyone E-1 to E-9 and O-1 to O-2. Namasted to death. But duty is duty. I only felt pity for those who were left-handed.
lol! Great share! I empathize ... 'duty is duty' puts it in perspective. I never thought of this scenario.
Practical & handy tips Jayshree !
Thank you, Priyanka!
This made me think of the Italians with the kiss on each cheek and the "ciao, ciao."
lol, that's true too! Thanks for sharing.
LOL I so get this! I worked for Indians for years, and I almost instinctually - and very quickly - learned about the frequency of 'Namaste' usage. Say it often enough to be respectful, but not so often it feels scripted or insincere. Until you learn that balance... just say 'Hello.' ;-)
Thanks for sharing this, enjoyed it...
You got it! Thanks for the share too - Glad it resonated!
You make me think of the times I've been in Japan, where everyone bows you to death! I finally realized that, not being Japanese, I don't have to stop and bow every time - I can just nod acknowledgement. I asked the maitre d' of the hotel about it and he just laughed and said I didn't even have to do that. But it seemed nice, so I did it anyway. I think respecting service people is one of the most important things anyone can do.
Lol! Absolutely, Angela. It is a good analogy. I had the same experience in Tokyo, and I agree.