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You`re not allowed to praise your wife`s dress sense or beauty in front of others unless you want a scathing look from her. The Japanese subscribe to the maxim, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”

This works the other way of course. If somebody tells Reiko I`m handsome, she`ll answer, “Simon? No, he`s got a big nose and arms the size of a chicken`s leg.” even if she thinks I`m handsome as well.

This level of insincerity is startling and unnerving especially when you`re being put down by your own wife in front of others. I at least hope this is Japanese culture and not my wife`s unvented feelings.

The same thing happens with the baby. “Your baby must be really cute when she comes out” to which Reiko answers, “No, she`ll inherit my wide face and Simon`s big nose.” Even when we both know she`ll be the most beautiful baby in the world.