[00:00.16] Unit 87 American Students ' Sense of Freedom American students ' concern with freedom leads to two patterns of behavior that Chinese students often notice:( 1) an unwillingness to make social commitments an( 2) vague and changing definitions in acquaintanceships, [00:21.08] friendships, and dating relationships. [00:24.45] American students tend to make social commitments only at the last minute. [00:29.48] Many Americans want to have the freedom to do what they want, when they want, in order maximize their chance of having" fun". [00:38.45] Chinese students sometimes feel frustrated by this. [00:42.36] They fell personally insulted because they interpret it as a sign that the Americans are not truly interested in them. [00:50.56] However, this behavior is often a sign of valuing personal freedom, rather than a reflection of their feelings about other people. [01:01.00] The Americans ' vague and changing definitions about acquaintances, friendships, and romantic relationships also puzzle Chinese students. [01:10.29] American students use the term" friend" very loosely. [01:14.47] They do not always clearly define their dating relationships as a monogamous couple relationship, even if they are sexually active together. [01:24.36] They might have one or more friends with whom they have sex; calling them" friends with benefits". [01:31.24] If asked about their availability for dating, they might say they are" seeing someone", which is a vague term that can mean they are monogamously involved, [01:41.27] casually dating a" friend with benefits", or regularly but not exclusively dating someone. [01:49.20] In such instances, monogamy is not necessarily expected or desired by both of the individuals. [01:56.56] This fluidity in relationship definitions can be very puzzling to someone from a culture that values clearly defined relationships between people. [02:07.25] Both under graduate and graduate American students have" parties" to socialize. [02:13.19] The typical American party consists of people talking in small groups or pairs while drinking alcoholic beverages and perhaps snacking on some dry food or" chips and dip". [02:25.56] Loud music may be playing. [02:28.14] Departmental receptions and parties often feature beer or wine. [02:34.27] Many of the people at these parties may be strangers to each other. [02:38.52] When invited to a party, Americans are relatively unlikely to ask," Who will be there?" They are accustomed to meeting strangers and starting conversations with them. [02:50.51] The parties usually do not include games or large group interactions. [02:56.07] So individuals must take the initiative to introduce themselves to strangers and talk with them. [03:03.21] Many Chinese students find these parties boring or stressful. [03:07.52] Chinese tend to be more accustomed to dinners as a way to get together with friends or acquaintances. [03:13.57] Few if any strangers will be at a dinner. [03:17.19] The atmosphere may be quieter and conversations deeper than at a typical American student party.

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