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Gift giving is universal across cultures, but reaction to gift giving could be very different. In China, humility is better than the truth. In America, expectation and excitement are more important.

For example, when my close Chinese friend comes to see me and brings a gift. I would pretend to look displeased, and say: "Why did you bring a gift? We are good friends. It is totally unnecessary." The truth is: I really expect a gift. No gift, no friendship!

My friend would reply, "Oh! this is nothing. It is just some poor gift!" The truth is: my friend is just humble. He must have put a lot of thought into choosing his gift.

By the way, I will never open the gift in front of my friend. Instead, I will wait until he leaves, that way, I don't have to fake a smile if the gift is really awful.

As a saying goes "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". After 15 years in America, my wife and I have adapted to the American culture.