Korean Job Discussion Forums

[periwinkle]

I am planning a trip to the US with my husband and MIL this summer. My MIL has a habit of burping after eating, and no, I don't want to take a trip to Germany instead. =) I can't imagine myself telling her to be careful of doing it in the US (I don't think Koreans would ever say anything like that to an elder, much less their in-laws, right?). I don't even think I should say anything to my husband, because he's really touchy about anything even vaguely critical of his mother.

However, if people are turning around in restaurants to see who has the audacity to belch in public, she'll wonder what's up. I don't know what to do. I'm thinking of letting it go, but I don't want her to feel embarrassed. Then again, she might not give a rat's a s s what other people think. She's really nice, though, and I care about her. She's not ill-mannered, either- it's just her one little habit...

What would you do?

[Hobophobic]

Yes...that is a good question...

I am going home in the summer with the wife, baby, 2 of her sisters and a brother in law....all of which, freely pass the gas...on either end

I hope my mom still doesn't make some sort of pasta for Fridays...

SLLLLUURRRRP!....my mom is one who'd whack you for slurping or talking with one's mouth full...oh, mommy is gonna lose it.....

I feel more gray hairs coming...thanx alot!

I don't think it will be a real big issue if you were to politely bring it up...

Maybe you should quietly bring it up with your hubby first...tell him that you in fact don't mind your MIL's eating habits, but many others are less forgiving than you and aren't as understanding with the cultural aspects and differences involved...

...btw...does she do this in public here, or is it strictly a home thing?...I know my inlaws are much more subtle in the public eye in this regard...

....it could be touchy though as she may be insulted if she is well aware of the Western eating etiquette....

[Newbie]

I find this funny. (although I understand your dilema)

We are expected to follow every Korean custom and slighted if we stray in the least. Fine ... when in Rome...

Yet, we can't even approach some folk to try and understand our customs/manners.

I love how western people are expected to be the pinnacle of tolerance, understanding, and "blending in", yet we can't expect it from others. (please note that I DID say "expected")

If I were you I would try to humbly, respectfully bring it up with the hubby. I don't know you from Eve, so as mildly as possible I have to ask what kind of relationship you have if you can't even bring up something simple like this.

[Dan The Chainsawman]

Pull a Bundy on your MIL.

When she burps, let one rip as well lean back in your chair and stuff you hand down your pants. Everyone will think that is perfectly normal.

[chiaa]

I tell my MIL at the dinner table here in Korea. I do some of their customs, they can do some of mine.

[riley]

My MIL has also surprised me with some toots of her own. Rather impressive actually. But I know that if I take her to see my family that she will be more modest.
Another idea would be to give a polite heads up to your parents about her.

[Mr. Pink]

What is the problem with burping after a meal? It is a sign of a good meal. I almost always burp after I eat. Honestly I think if you cover your mouth that is polite enough.

As for the food smacking thing, well that definately won't go over well in Western countries...

Are people back home that anal about burping???

[Shooter McGavin]

[pet lover]

Since your husband is touchy, is there anyone else you could get to talk to the MIL and point out to her that she might "lose face" if she were to burp in front of others while in America? I understand your problem--it'd certainly be a lot easier if she were someone you didn't like/care about.

[peemil]

What would I do?

Clap and then start a competition.

[periwinkle]