This episode of 22 George Street examines the global trend of decoupling from China and its parallels in personal interactions with individuals deeply rooted in traditional Chinese thought patterns. We discuss the challenges of engaging with such mindsets, including rigid hierarchy, transactional relationships, and expectations of ideological conformity. Through examples like marriage dowries and utilitarian friendships, we highlight why these interactions often lack depth and mutual respect. Concluding, we argue that distancing from such mentalities is not discriminatory but a rational choice for fostering more meaningful and balanced relationships.
