it's a simple question

[chronovore]

When coworkers walk up and look like they want to start a conversation, sometimes I ask them "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

I'm always at a loss for how to proceed when they answer "Yes," and then offer no further details.

Edit:
Me: 今週末、何か予定ありますか？
Cow-orker: はい。
Me: ．．．

My wife says it's a cultural thing; if I ask them IF they have plans, and they say "No," then they're obligating me to offer to do something with them. They're saying "Yes," to avoid time with me on the weekend, either because they're not comfortable with spending time with me outside work, or don't want me to feel obligated to offer them something to do... or they just have plans on the weekend.

I learn something new every day.

On good days, I learn two things.

Comments

[rick-day.livejournal.com]

rephrase: "So...what plans do you have for the weekend?"

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

Yeah, in English I would, but in Japanese the rephrasing seems invasive... which is what I think they're already telling me by not answering.

[super-nyanko.livejournal.com]

I think that almost seems invasive in English too-- especially from management. Of course, I'm coming at that from my jaded point of view (I've had managment ask my weekend plans because they want to convince me I have time to come in and work.)

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

That's a good point.

In the specific context I'm mentioning, it should be made clear that these are guys who are loitering near my desk, looking like they want to talk. I've been trying to offer a painless lead-in to conversation.

[jameskitty.livejournal.com]

why yes, i do! a young girl i met a couple days ago is coming over and I am going to strip her naked, tie her up and drip candlewax and/or various sticky food substances all over her before I penetrate her anally with various foreign objects. then i'll take photos of it and mail them to her father.

and you?

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

That would be the point at which I'd have even MORE trouble responding.

[cyclopea.livejournal.com]

I'm all sweaty now.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

There are increasingly rare times when I realize I still prefer to live in the U.S.A. Reading things like this reminds me of that fact. Thank you.

[chronovore.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. Life becomes complex at surprising times here.