Are Singaporeans Friendly?
by Gabriel
(Singapore)
Hi
I'm Singaporean and this is my take... We do appear reserved (aloof?) at first sight. But go beneath this appearance and you'll find a hospitable soul. One who is ready to help and who wants nothing less than a positive experience for our visitors.
All you need to do is make the first move and break the ice. Smile. Ask a question. venture a remark. And you'll soon a giggling, suddenly-noisy local who opens up, shares an opinion, crack a joke, and add to the situation.
Of course, you'll also encounter the occasional ultra-chatty fellow who will banter with you, given half a chance. Also, if we have one drink too many, then we're like everyone else throughout the world ;-)
Have you ever been in a lift with a Singaporean whom you don't know? If you have, you'll know how awkward the situation can be. (S)he'll sheepishly avoid eye contact with you, and even press every button in the lift panel so that (s)he could avoid asking where you're going. Sigh... sometimes I wonder why we are like that...
But we aren't always so reserved, are we? Head down to the Sungei Road Flea Market and walk among the stalls. Here, you'll find the most at-ease folks in all of Singapore. Look out for the bare-bodied (and often pot-bellied) elderly men manning the stalls. Hear them banter away with customers and with other stall holders.
Do you agree? What's your opinion of Singaporeans? Do you find us friendly? Whether you are a local or a foreigner, join in and share your thoughts here...
