Culture

So after the Woodcarver’s Bible Study Sylvia cheerfully says to me, with a big smile “Ah, Amanda…you’ve put on weight!” Even though I am fully aware that I haven’t actually gained anything and in fact have weighed pretty much exactly the same weight since I came here….and even though I have lived here for a year and half and I completely understand that the phrases, “You’re looking fat” and “You’ve put on weight” are completely complementary here and simply mean, you are looking nice…it still is SO difficult just to smile and say thank you to that! Isn’t it amazing how much the culture in which you grow up shapes your ideas, perceptions and understanding?