My father wasn't strict, but if I forgot to say "please", "thank you" or "sorry" he always told me. He told me when to say "please", when to say "thank you" and when to say "sorry"... He told me who to say sorry to... He told me what to say sorry for... He told me how to speak politely... One day in a cafe, he put in an order. He said "two coffees....". Finally! This was my chance! I jumped and shouted "PLEASE!" and he smiled but looked a little embarassed. I got him! He u

It is common for people from other countries to hear ”お箸上手” (o-ha-shi -joh-zu - "You are good at using chopsticks.") when they are eating in Japan. It happens so often... I am not sure if it is a compliment or just surprise. Many many people from overseas know how to use chopsticks. In the UK for example, there are many Chinese, Korean and Japanese restaurants. We often use chopsticks in those restaurants. Not always, but often. If "お箸上手" is a complment, it feels a little s