Posted on Jun 8, 2014
SFC Health I.T. (Hit) Systems Security Engineer
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Why is it in America it's ok to turn down an offer of coffee and cake when you are not hungry and thirsty, and in certain European countries, if you do just that, you are being 'arrogant' and 'self centered'?
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
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Edited >1 y ago
SSG Tolbert, based on the fatbody American population, not many are turning down those cakes and pies!

There are cultural differences between North America and Europe. For instance you arrive fashionably late to an event in the states while you are expected to arrive promptly as stated on the invitation in Europe - not later.

Portions are typically smaller and costs are higher in Europe as compared to most things in the USA so I assume that if someone is going to carry a hardship to offer you something the exp[ectation is that you would be gracious enough to accept the offer....just a thought.
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SFC Health I.T. (Hit) Systems Security Engineer
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Thank you CSM, I took a piece anyway...small, and drank the coffee... But my first reaction of saying "no thank you" did not go over too well. I am thin and relatively fit for an American. My hosts are not....every last one of them are extremely overweight (fat -putting it nicely). Despite being disabled myself... I am fit. Too many years of PT and Push-ups with a chair I guess... Lol!
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
>1 y
Good job keeping yourself fit, way to continue to represent the NCO Corps!

One thing I've noticed is that the coffee serving size is much smaller in European countries, not sure if you experienced that or not, and the coffee is much stronger than the typical American coffee.

I can't tell you how many cups of tea I've drank with our Iraq and Afghan partners....many many many! It actually grew on me and now I like drinking tea, just one of those things
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SFC Health I.T. (Hit) Systems Security Engineer
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Tea I can handle... It's coffee that bothers my old belly wounds still to this date. I am a 1/2 to 1cup maximum a day coffee drinker. Tea, is fine...more water, and more chances to go to the head. ;) lol!
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