Social norms in Singapore when saying goodbye
Hey everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well. I recently experienced a situation that left me feeling unsure, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
When dropping off my dad at various places, my girlfriend tends to stay in the car to say goodbye instead of getting out to say goodbye.
This has led to some scolding from my dad, who seems to expect a more traditional farewell. Interestingly, the only time my girlfriend gets out of the car to say goodbye is when we’re dropping my dad off at the airport.
I wanted to get a variety of perspectives on whether her choice was inappropriate or if it’s a matter of personal preference.
What do you think? Is it important to follow traditional greetings in these situations, or is it acceptable to adapt based on personal comfort levels? I appreciate your insights and look forward to a thoughtful discussion.
Thanks!
Netizens’ comments
- Next time, just tell your gf to get out of the car, set up a long red carpet lined with diamonds for your father when saying goodbye. Make sure your girlfriend is kneeling on the ground with her forehead pressed against the floor, crying with streaks of tears in her face as your father walks away, to show that she can’t bear to see him leave. After that set off fireworks like it’s NDP for your father once the goodbye has been said. Then he won’t kaopeh kaobu anymore, k?
- Traditional? Never heard about this being “traditional”
Dropping off around SG is not a significant event hence just say goodbye in the car.
Dropping off at the airport can be significant because it may be a while before you see them again so I can understand why people want to accompany them as much as possible.
Either way, getting a scolding is ridiculous. - I’m curious what is defined as a traditional farewell? Handshake? Hugs? Kisses? Bow? Kneel on the floor till the person leaves?
- I assume you’re driving? Does he also expect you to put the car in park and get out of the car to say bye? Does he also get out of the car to say bye if you drop off your gf with him in the car? Alot of these traditions and “respect” is just to exert a sense of “I’m above you” I feel