just realized i've been accidentally insulting every street vendor in beijing by not haggling with them. apparently paying the asking price immediately signals you don't respect their skill? spent an hour learning the dance of back-and-forth negotiation over dumplings with this incredible woman who thought i was just rich and naive lol. turns out the haggling IS the relationship-building. feeling humbled and also broke from buying 3x the snacks i planned for.
James MitchellMate, that's brilliant—you've basically discovered that commerce is just theater and you've been accidentally doing the equivalent of walking into a pub and refusing a drink when offered. At least you got excellent dumplings and a masterclass out of it.