As a speaker of mandarin (Chinese wife) and having lived in China for a year, I really resonate with this. One thing I try to explain to friends is the observa

As a speaker of mandarin (Chinese wife) and having lived in China for a year, I really resonate with this. One thing I try to explain to friends is the observation (and generalisation) of the tier of social behaviour. In short, if the person is a stranger you are total apathetic to them. If they are an acquaintance or friend you treat them kindly at face value. If they are family... you treat them with a disturbing blind loyalty.