There comes a point in every expat's life when you realize that you just might - quite possibly - most definitely - have gone native. There is no set time in which this happens. For some, eight months in China may be enough to figure out the vague subtleties of a local dialect. Others may be working on five years and still be scratching their heads at the lack of a queue. I've noticed that for most, however, this feeling of true kinship with the locals, the feeling of “turning Chinese”, comes around the two year mark. So how do you know whether you've not only gotten accustomed to the culture but are, in fact, helping perpetuate that culture? Here are eight signs that you, my dear friend, are an expat veteran.

1) You think “your” city is the best city – despite signs to the contrary
Quick, what's the best city in China? Does it happen to be the one you're currently living in? Of course it is! From those in Shanghai who claim their fashion and club scenes are the best, to Beijing dwellers who believe there's no art or culture outside their city limits, to Harbin folks who think we're all wusses for not being able to handle their winters, there's no denying that true expat veterans fight for the cities they love – high crime rates, contaminated milk, or rampant corruption be damned.

Learning to spit bones: eat more fish
Source: english.peopledaily.com.cn

2) You have no qualms about spitting bones directly onto a restaurant table
Remember when you first moved here and politely took small bites with your chopsticks, placing your discarded chicken bones and fish eyeballs neatly on your plate or covered with a napkin? Me neither. There's something downright rebellious about abandoning all your conventional Western manners and participating in the way it's done around here – namely, by spitting anything inedible onto the restaurant table, regardless of whether it's made from plastic or cloth. Of course, I wouldn't recommend doing this at any high end Chinese restaurant, but this is what your local joint is made for.

3) You find yourself agreeing with someone by making noises instead of using words
This one maybe a bit more of a subtle change than some of the others, but next time you're having a conversation with someone, whether Chinese or not, pay closer attention to your words – or lack thereof. Do you find yourself responding “Mm” for “okay” or “uh” for “I agree”? Does responding in any other way just seem exhausting and pointless? China has officially mastered the art of getting the most bang for your buck in the language department. There's simply no need to waste your breath on a “You're absolutely correct” when a well-placed “uh” will do perfectly fine.

Dated picture, when the sun was still visible
Source: cargocycling.org

4) You don’t think the pollution is as bad as everyone says
Pollution? What pollution? Sure the air is hazy and grey most days, but that's just low-hanging cloud cover. Nothing a good rain can't wash away. What's that you say? You can't exercise or play a sport outside for more than a few minutes without feeling as though your lungs are filled with two tons of sewage? Well, that's just because you've been going a bit heavy on the Mao Shi Hong Shao Rou, buddy. So quit your whining, take a few extra puffs of your inhaler, and get outside to enjoy the few rays of sunlight that are still able to penetrate the atmosphere.

5) You start holding your girlfriend’s handbag – or have one of your own
Sure, men sometimes do this in the West – when their significant other is in the bathroom, for instance, or in the dressing room at the mall. But Chinese men seemingly have no qualms about carrying the handbag for long distances and even longer periods of time. Chances are high that you men have done this at least once while you've lived here – the chances multiply astronomically if you happen to have a Chinese girlfriend. You may have even decided that these handbags are quite, well, handy, and bought yourself... oh, let's just call it a “satchel.” Regardless, we all know what it really is.

“Hi mom.”
Source: asianscientist.com

6) Your “telephone voice” is permanently ramped up to maximum volume – especially while riding public transportation
I often don't notice this one until I go back to the States for a visit. I'll be in a store, chatting on my cell phone, when I suddenly find myself wondering things like, “Why are all these people staring at me?” and “Why can I only see lips moving in the angry mob surrounding me?” But alas, it now seems perfectly normal for people to shout or scream into their cell phones on subways, buses, or in grocery stores. So what if the connection is bad and it would make more sense to just call someone back? There's nothing that can't be fixed by just speaking louder.

7) You start paying people off
I'm not talking about major payoffs here, like restaurants, clubs, and pretty much any other institution that is forced to do. No, I'm just talking about those little cash exchanges that make waits in restaurants go quicker, drinks at bars cheaper (or free), and life, in general, easier. In fact, it helps if you don't even think of it as “paying people off.” No, you're simply greasing the wheels of the already robust China economy. Nothing wrong with that, right?

8) Your umbrella starts doubling as a parasol so you can avoid the sun
The first time I saw someone carrying an open umbrella on a perfectly sunny day, I thought it was odd. When, by the end of the day, I had counted hundreds of people with umbrellas, I began to think I was odd for not having one. Alas, many Chinese people value white skin – hence the various bleaching creams and open umbrellas used in the summer. They also avoid the sun because they're very conscientious about avoiding skin cancer. Yup, the Chinese are always on the lookout against cancer. Cigarette, anyone?
 

Related links
Reverse Culture Shock: Is Home Really Where the Heart Is?
Leaving China and the Challenges of Returning Home
5 Signs it’s Time to Pack Up and Leave China

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Keywords: signs you’re becoming Chinese Chinese habits by foreigners foreigners adapting to China expat veterans in China turning Chinese