the emotions

... from the cultural orientation materials that came across my desk:


"helpful hints on American culture for participants of the conference ... "

3. Try to ask simple, direct questions.

Americans are not very good at listening to long questions or answering questions that they do not fully understand ... Try and keep questions short and clear.

6. Notice how often Americans smile.

In American culture this is a sign of warmth, friendliness, welcome, and acceptance. In America, you may want to smile frequently, even with people you do not know.

8. Male/female relationships.

The themes underlying the women's movement in the United States - individualism, independence, and equality - are the same as those that underlie American society in general. American women will expect to be treated as prefessional colleagues. Try not to let your own, perhaps strongly-held, ideas about male/female relations interfere with what you are seeing and observing.

9. Personal hygiene

Americans are very sensitive about personal hygiene. They shower with soap and use deoderants daily, change their shirts or blouses daily, and often carry breath mints with them. They do not use very much perfume or after-shave lotion. Please be aware of this sensitivity.

- - -

funny talk.

~

All this FLandis-o-rama has done well to distract me from current affairs. Thanks for that bit o' Sea Biscuit distraction, Floyd. The Tour and his exploits may be bread and circuses for the soul ... but it's still substantial enough to live off.

for awhile.

~ ~

sweet heavens, i am so thankful for her.