For example, whenever one is sick here friends will always tell you to get plenty of rest, and drink lots of water. During Winter - wear lots of layers. During outbreaks of bird flu - stay away from live chickens (because I was thinking of running towards them during the epidemic).
Now of course, we say similar things in the west, like rest up when you're sick. But Westerners will say it in passing, or very informally before we part ways. But the way that a chinese friend will tell you these things is in a very formal way, and like it's a revelation. For e.g. suddenly out of the blue i'll get a message from one of my young students i haven't heard from for a while, sounding something like this - ''Alan, it is winter now and it is very cold recently. Wear lots of layers so you won't get sick'' Something like this would be equivalent to, ''hey mate was thinking of you today. What been happening?'' The latter I know how to respond to, but as to the former, how do you respond to that?!
''thanks. hope you're wrapping up too?''
It's also ironic when you're getting this sort of advice from students who haven't even hit their 20's yet, and are not too independent themselves! Another common one i get is when i reply to an email or message after 12am and the student tells me ''you should sleep earlier''. Somehow, sleeping after 12am means there is something wrong with you and that you are not conforming to the harmonious society.
So next time a Chinese friend of yours starts giving you advice like you're a five year old, try to look past the patronizing message. It's just their way of showing they care.
