Chinese culture treats the ability to absorb grievances and refrain from immediate reaction as a sign of maturity and wisdom, not weakness. The person who can swallow frustration, accept imperfect situations, and wait for better conditions demonstrates self-cultivation and strategic sense. When Chinese counterparts seem to accept unfavorable situations without complaint, they may be practicing forbearance—banking relationship credit and waiting for conditions to change.
This isn’t passive acceptance but strategic patience. However, forbearance has limits. Accumulated unexpressed grievances create relationship debts that may eventually come due, sometimes suddenly. Extended patience followed by decisive action shouldn’t be surprising. When you sense your Chinese counterparts have been forbearing, acknowledge their patience and look for ways to address underlying concerns before accumulated grievance forces action.
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