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

[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.