Sunlin prepared a meal for his new girlfriend and she enjoyed it so much that she cleaned her plate. Later she was surprised that he had found her behaviour somewhat insulting; she thought she was showing her appreciation. Which underlying theme does the couple's miscommunication illustrate in this case?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The miscommunication between Sunlin and his girlfriend reveals that their cultural backgrounds and beliefs about appropriate behaviors in response to food vary. Sunlin found his girlfriend's cleaning of her plate as a sign that he did not provide her with enough food, while his girlfriend believed that clearing her plate demonstrated her appreciation for his cooking. This indicates that their behavior is shaped by their cultural heritage and highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences in communication.

Sunlin Prepared a Meal for His New Girlfriend and She