I've been watching people face on the street in Indonesia and Singapore. In Indonesia, I watched (and still watching) people walking on the street. In Singapore, I watched people on MRTs. One thing I noticed, these people do not smile! I don't know about Singaporeans, but Indonesians used to smile a lot. Something has hapenned to us that made us lost the smile.
What is it? Hardship (of life)? But people in other countries are experiencing the same thing, aren't they? I could understand why Indonesians have less smile nowadays. (Although that does not mean that it is okay not to smile.) Our lives are becoming tougher, compared to years ago. But, Singaporeans? I thought they live better now. Places are clean and well organized. What's on their mind? Aren't they happy with what they have? Why there's no smile then?
Let's smile (more) . . .
What is it? Hardship (of life)? But people in other countries are experiencing the same thing, aren't they? I could understand why Indonesians have less smile nowadays. (Although that does not mean that it is okay not to smile.) Our lives are becoming tougher, compared to years ago. But, Singaporeans? I thought they live better now. Places are clean and well organized. What's on their mind? Aren't they happy with what they have? Why there's no smile then?
Let's smile (more) . . .
Comments
First, we shouldn't generalise, but I guess it's a fair enough assumption that the smiles are significantly less compared to Indonesia (and Australia - where I've lived for the last 8 years).
At work, people seem to be stressed and frustrated, I see this trend at several work places and the same story from my friends who have been working there for years. On the MRT, on the way to work and on the way home, people seem to be frowning, or snoozing due to tiredness.
Singapore is obviously a highly competitive country, I think that makes people less likely to losen up or relax.
On the contrary, I find them very cheerful during gatherings (with friends, families), when we go out for food or drinks, or any other outings.
On the contrary, I find them very cheerful during gatherings (with friends, families), when we go out for food or drinks, or any other outings.
Yes, that is true. My daughter brought me to a big band event. They were cheerful (for a while? until the fat lady sang? that is a figure of speech of course. there was no fat lady at the event. ha ha ha.)
Maybe Singaporeans should learn how to enjoy life? But don't go overboard (like us, ha ha ha).
I have lived in Germany for more than 4 years. The result: I became hardly smile. Hahaha....
Hope no German read this coment.
anehnya saya merasa lebih 'culture shock' ketika tinggal di singapura ketimbang di eropa maupun di amerika.
I am a local Chinese Singaporean, and I admit we do not smile that often. My father too, and my Grandpa did that also. Well, may be because we are chinese educated. But many local politicians-chinese, alwayas smile and smile, especially those educated in England or Usa.
You sent you daughter in Singapore, soon or later she will be like us, hardly smile. Please tell her to go back Indonesia for a break.
Thanks Budhi, I like your blog.
So close to Sing, but never been there
...ya memang begitu singapura. Nyebrang sedikit ke malaysia dan berbeda sekali, orang2nya (baik cina maupun melayu) ramah senyum seperti indonesia.
tapi maaf, jgn tidak tau... kalau nyebrang ke Malaysia banyak rampok dan todong. yg penting, di mana pun kita berada semoga bukan di negara yang kriminalitasnya tinggi.