First business trip raises culture questions
DEAR ABBY >> I’m worried for my son. He’s going on his first business trip in January — to Japan. He doesn’t drink alcohol. (He’s not an alcoholic; it’s his personal choice.) His bosses, who do business there frequently, are now telling him that the Japanese will not do business with you unless you drink with them first. Can you find out if this is true? And if it is, what can, or should, my son do? DEAR WORRIED >> Although alcohol can be a part of an important bonding ritual across East Asia, your son may be able to forge successful business relationships in other ways.
HOROSCOPES
Aries (March 21-April 19): You’ve had your moments of being entirely too busy, so you don’t take it personally when someone close to you gets caught up in the bustle. You’ll be an invaluable asset to a busy person today. Taurus (April 20-May
20): The first rule is to love yourself. It may seem noble to love someone else more than you love yourself, but because this violates the first rule, it leads to problems. You’ll be able to do more for others when you follow the first rule. Gemini (May 21-June
21): One version of mistaken identity is when you mentally imbue others with powers they do not possess. To accurately recognize the strengths and limits of others According to Erin Meyer, a professor at the international graduate business school INSEAD and author of “The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business”: “If you don’t drink, you can certainly find other ways to partake in the fun; in Japan, a round of karaoke or a trip to the spa can do wonders.” Because your son is involved in international business, he may find professor Meyer’s book, which was published in 2014, will give him valuable insight.
DEAR ABBY >> I have some concerns about my marriage. My husband is a retired U.S. veteran. He was married before we got together, and his former spouse receives his survivor benefits. This was something that was decided during their divorce. is a form of love. Cancer (June 22-July 22): It’s a comfort to know where you belong, but it’s also important to realize that you’re the one who made it so. You created a place for yourself, and you could do the same in any number of places should you choose to make a move.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22): While others complain about what’s wrong, you home in on the problem, learn all you can about the surrounding circumstances and fix it in a way that satisfies both the small and the big picture. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Much depends on where the information is coming from. Credible sources get listened to. So do attractive or unexpected sources. I am not entitled to anything.
I have been a loving wife and have taken care of him for the 14 years we have been married. He has one daughter who is 40-plus years old. I just found out that I am not his beneficiary on anything — she is! This has me very worried. Please let me know what I need to do about this situation. DEAR LOVING WIFE >> What you need to do is discuss this with your husband to see if he will modify his will, which may have been drafted before he married you. Then the two of you should talk to an attorney, preferably one who specializes in wills and trusts. If your husband is not willing to make an adjustment, then consult an attorney on your own Unfortunately, familiar sources are most commonly disregarded.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): Shape interactions with an eye toward the abilities and needs of those around you. Granted, you’re looking at a wide range of strengths and weaknesses, but there’s a way to guide all to the fullness of their capacity. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21): People often overestimate the strength of their boundaries. If even a small part of the fence is down, that’s where intruders will enter. Make sure that enforcements are fully in place, and then you can relax. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You will enjoy your own personal space and time. Solitude will nurture and restore because, as it stands, your husband’s estate plan is not fair to you.
DEAR ABBY >> I have a large family. As the grandchildren are now adults with significant others, it’s getting beyond my financial means to buy a Christmas gift for everyone — something I have always done. I now have a brand-new great-grandchild. What do other grandparents do at holidays about gifts? DEAR LIMIT >> Some grandparents set an age limit after which gifts cease. Some families have a “pool” from which names are drawn so each family member buys only one gift per family. And other grandparents tell their children and adult grandchildren the truth — explaining that because they you. Those who “get” you know when to leave you alone. The others will need a hint. Where gentle reminders fail, be assertive. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.
19): Though it can be disappointing to learn just how self-centered people can really be, it also takes some of the pressure off to learn that they care more about how they feel when they’re around you than anything else.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.
18): Luck will play a role, but it’s not the part you expect. It’s still important to set up your plan and follow up with your contingency plan. The more prepared you are the more confident you’ll be. Pisces (Feb. 19-March
20): Ironically, the foresight can no longer afford to buy gifts, from now on they’ll be exchanging Christmas card greetings only. it takes to avoid a bad situation often comes in hindsight. That is to say, people who’ve already had the experience of being in a bad situation are the best at avoiding getting stuck in the future.
Today’s birthday (Nov.
26): Your soul feels like dancing, and the rhythm of life picks up the beat. New faces come in and out of your projects, invigorating the scene with exciting energy. But when you want a commitment from someone, all you have to do is ask. Your attention to being healthy and fit will have far-reaching benefits. Virgo and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 23, 11,
19 and 2.