Dilemma

One of the more common uncomfortable situations we often encounter here in China is the mid-conversation belch from the person we’re speaking to. It’s often not loud and obnoxious, but rather soft and light – just enough to throw your whole train of thought off kilter. What do you do? Do you laugh? Do you cry? Do you try to out-burp your friend?

We just can’t stand by and be flabbergasted any longer. Thus, we’ve decided to respond the next time this happens – here are thoughts on how to react to this curious problem:

• "Whoa … that sounded like it came from down deep”
• “Good one – not too deep, not too rumbly … but at the same time, not too pitchy.”
• “My goodness, friend, your eyes are starting to water”
• “Smells like you had fish for lunch … need a mint?”