Head Bobble

Before coming to India I did a little research on customs, cultural nuances, etc. One of the main things I came across was the head bobble. I had first understood it to mean they simply shake their heads no when they really mean yes. Ok fine. I'll keep an eye out for that.

I'm not sure if I didn't notice or if they weren't comfortable around me, but I didn't really see it till this week. Wow! It's weird. It's not just shaking your head no when you mean yes. It's actually tilting your head back and forth from one side to the other. It's very natural and smooth for them. For me, not so much.

It does resemble shaking your head no. When I see it, it sort of freaks me out. My initial reaction is "What do you mean no?", but that's wrong. It's actually an agreement.

Now I wonder what they're thinking when I don't do it. Are they're wondering why I don't agree?

- b