Real Eight or Relaxed Eight?

When you live abroad, the hardest thing is not the language. It is the time.

In some countries, when a friend says “Let's meet at eight,” they mean eight. At eight o'clock exactly, they are at the door. If you arrive at ten past eight, they are already worried. You should say sorry.

In other countries, “eight” is more of an idea. You make the arrangement, but everybody knows that eight really means half past eight, or nine. If you arrive at eight exactly, you may be the only person there. The host is still cooking.

So what should you do? First, watch the people around you. Do not trust the clock; trust them. Second, when you make an arrangement, ask one more question. “Eight o'clock — real eight, or relaxed eight?” People will laugh, but they will tell you the truth.

And if you get it wrong, do not worry too much. Every person who lives abroad has waited alone in an empty room. And every person who lives abroad has arrived first, with wet hair, while the host was still in the shower. According to the people who have done both, the second one is worse.