Okay, this paragraph really struck a chord with me when I was setting up my first shop in Tokyo. You don’t need to be some kind of master linguist or deep culture expert right from the start; basic good manners are often enough. It’s funny how sometimes the most unexpected connections happen – finding that perfect shared table at the night market, anxiously waiting in line for those famous 10 yuan noodles, even just striking up a conversation over coffee in a quiet neighbourhood café where you forget your name but definitely remember what drink they usually make for you.But here's the thing: showing up isn't just about being physically present. The real magic lies in showing up emotionally too. That means truly listening and engaging with someone rather than just going through the motions of small talk, don't you think? Think about how many times we default to asking “What’s good?” or pointing at menu items when ordering food together – it feels so much more personal if one simple question changes from that transactional vibe to something like, "How was your week?" or "Did you see anything interesting down the street?"
That seemingly minor change in approach can transform an interaction completely. It's like upgrading from a basic phone call with someone across town to instant messaging via high-speed internet – truly game-changing for building genuine connections right there on site.
Sometimes I wish people understood just how much effort it takes *not* to be superficially friendly, especially when you're standing in that long queue waiting for your noodles. It’s easy to grab the chopsticks and order quickly without a word, but making those few extra seconds count makes all the difference later down the line.
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