Top Commandments for Living in China . . .

There's a "Ten Commandments for Expats" floating around the web. I have no idea where or who started it, but I've revised it for living in China. Additionally, I changed the language to be "plain speaking" as I'm a big fan of keeping things simple.

1. Do not expect to find things as they are in your home country. You left your home country to explore new and different things.
2. Don’t take things too seriously. This is China. It may be different tomorrow.
3. Don’t let other foreigners get on your nerves, especially those who live here. It’s likely that one or both of you will be transferred soon anyway.
4. Do not act all high and mighty. You are the same person you were back in your home country before you had maids and drivers here. [NOTE: Many expats in larger cities have house helpers (ayis) and/or drivers. It's not very common in my part of the country.)
5. Don’t buy everything you see. You already have a house full of things stored in your home country.
6. Do not sit around and mope. Do not feel unwanted or unskilled. Do not feel sorry for yourself. There are many people in worse off situations than yours and there are many organizations that would be grateful for your donations of time and energy.
7. Do not complain about the food. There are many who do not get three nutritious meals a day.
8. Get used to the top five questions: “Where are you from?” “How long have you been here?” “Do you like Chinese food?” “Are you married?” and “How much money do you make?”
9. If you are noticeably “not-Chinese” and live outside of large cities, then develop a thick skin and get used to being stared at. Just deal with it and keep going.
10. When in China, be prepared to do as the Chinese do. Go with the flow and adapt.
11. Learn some of the language. There is never a better chance to learn a language than when you are in the country where it is the native tongue. You will have plenty of chances to use what you study!
12. Learn all the various meanings of “没有” and how to interpret which meaning applies to your current situation.
13. Do not judge all the people of China by the one person who has given you trouble.
14. Do not act superior to the people of China. There is much to learn from them.
15. Always have an attitude of “The more I know about China, the more I know that there’s a lot that I don’t know.”
16. Remember . . . you are a guest in this country. Those who treat their host with respect will be honored.

I'll add to these as I think of them or as others let me know of their additions.