This is a quick post but the audio that goes with it explains everything in detail. I am making this 
post for two reasons. The first is to talk about an interesting conversation I had with my friend. The second reason is I want everyone to try the other types of media on this site. If you are only reading the posts you are missing out on all the great information that is on the audio and video files on this site. Both the Podcast and the Videos explain the topics in even more detail with lots of stories. So, with this post I would like everyone to try the other medians out.
Check out all the resources to get the most benefit. (Now on to the information)
I just spent 1 hour taking to my friend online in China. It started with me calling her cellphone, using Skype, to ask her if she was near a computer; we then spent the next 10 minutes as Skype continuously disconnected us. Then we used QQ which is probably the most common program for communication in all of China. (It is like AIM) We had absolutely no problems talking, even with video which really surprised me, because with Skype not even the basic voice call worked.
Once we were able to talk the conversation focused around a mutual friend of ours possibly getting married. The problem with this is, it is my friends best friend. This means she is expected to give a gift which basically has no price limit. If she just knew the person she might have to give 500 RMB or so (remember an average months salary is between 2500-3000 RMB a month) but since she is her best friend she is expected to give several thousand RMB; 1 2 or even 3 months salary equivalent. This isn’t just a one time gift either. If the couple decides to have a child for the baby shower a big gift will have to be given and also when the child turns one. My friend was on the phone panicking about this, because she knows she has to start saving for it now, even though no wedding date has been set.
The gifts though are reciprocated. Any amount she gives will most likely be given back in a similar amount, but if she doesn’t get married and have kids around the same time as her friend. All the money and gifts will just flow in one direction; this will life very tough for her.
To find out more please listen to the audio or check of the video page.
Thanks everyone.
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