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Q: How many foreigners here care about their appearance?
I've seen some foreigners walking around with bbq stains on their shirts, some who looked like they hadn't had a shave in a week, others who haven't combed their hair, etc etc. Does China make you not care anymore? Why or why not?
Some people just never cared. Some claim they "learnt" from the locals.
I actually started to care more than before.
I don't. The locals will never see beyond the skin so who gives a shit?
I do. I will never sink to the locals' level. My table manners may be slipping and I may spit now (without noise), but I will always care about my appearance.
I think people who don't don't care have given up or were like that at home.
yian:
Ditto the silent spitting too, it's a necessity with all the pollution some days. I also need a haircut but feel too proud to ask a local colleague come with me to translate, it's just too humiliating to ask for assistance for something so simple. Considering become fluent in Mandarin for this reason alone.
Sorry. Good hygiene and general upkeep of the bod is just too ingrained from my upbringing to let it start fading away at this late date. Wheter inside or out of the classroom I pretty much maintain the standards I would "back home." In class, obviously I have the role of a professional.
Now keep in mind, that doesn't mean a suit and tie. I'm pretty casual, and I pratically live in jeans, but my clothes are clean and no holes, etc.
Outside, you never know who is watching. One day, when my wife and I were at lunch, a guy at the next table (after a lenghty "stare" session) told his companions, "See, that westerner chews with his mouth closed! Why don't we?"
Heck, closing the mouth while eating is not even a conscious decision. It's just something that I've been doing for my whole life! No bone-spitting, nose-picking, butt-scratching, or arm-pit smelling in public, please!
Needless to say, if someone else wants to, that is up to them. In regards to behavior, I don't notice half of the things that transpire around me, anymore. To each, their own.
I agree totally as well. "Letting yourself go" in China in unacceptable. Daily showers, shaving, clean clothes, good table manners, politeness will never go out of style.
I care. In fact, I indulge in more beauty treatments like manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and hair care treatments than back at home because it's way cheaper. Since I'm probably cutting my life short by about ten years by living here, I might as well try to make the most of it while I'm still young.
Stop_Sign:
That's very interesting, i'm the other way around. At home i'd be at the salon every Friday getting my hair done, nails were always manicured, body waxed, high-heeled shoes, wore dresses more than pants, basically i payed attention to my appearence and i enjoyed it. Here on the other hand, my hair is poorly maintained (it's still clean, but not "fabulous" lol), i hardly wear dresses anymore except on the odd night out, same with high-heeled shoes, even at the office etc. I dress up for important meetings, other than that i don't care as much about my appearance as i used to. Oh and i shop way less as well. I'm not sure what it is, i think i'm just enjoying living on the slow lane for a while (as far as the appearance is concerned).
My manners and hygene are still intact. I dress down, but not slovenly. Back home I had a job that I wore a dress shirt and tie to, dress shirt at the least, but always business appropriate clothing. Here at work I come in collared shirts and such, just cause when I first arrived the ties got too many stares and questions.
minus the luxury brands (which i do just fine without) i don't do anything different then i did in the states. bathing everyday, wearing clean clothes, and not looking homeless.
FYI I teach yoga and group fitness so i look like i'm always going to the gym but sans bbq stains and unkept appearance.
Does china make some expats lazy or is it just a resolve to give up?
In my work, appearance is important. Custom suits, shirts, etc... Thankfully they are relatively inexpensive here compared to the US.
Never underestimate the value added of a nice watch, tailored suit and shined shoes. When you look your best, you perform your best.
Xpat.John:
Pocket watches are great if you are wearing a 3-piece suit and driving a train. Other than that, they are a tad dated. Now, if you have a Patek Philippe, Audemars or Panerai Radiomir then you are doing it with style.
Showers... or course
Shaving... I'll slack off if I've my Friday or Saturday workday is just a waste of my time
Clothing... for profession, of course nothing but professional.... during my one or two free days... fully bodied pjs or assless pants is fair game
I dress about the same as I always did, although most of my clothing is new because I only had old t-shirts before I decided to come to China. There were some great sales in August, so I went and bought some decent clothes. I brush my hair, but it looks like I don't. That's just me though.
I cannot stand slobs, no matter where I am or where they come from. If they smell bad or lok like crap, i will stay as far away as possible from them. Shallow? snobish? maybe, but I am just as careful of my appearance here as I was back in the West.
I'm just as careful about hygiene and general cleanliness as at home, or anywhere else. My clothing standards have slipped considerably, though. If it's warm, I'll wear it, no matter how ugly it may be!
That will probably change come springtime...
