Egalitarian mistakes

Cultural sensitivity lesson number 1. When we first arrived in Singapore we stayed in a serviced suite as many people do. Four weeks in a little furnished flat with a maid coming in every day to clean. Mine arrived around 10am, barefoot and oddly submissive. It seemed excessive for her to be washing our tiny floors 6 days a week and I became very aware of my things being in her way. When she'd arrive I'd feel guilty about my dishes and quickly leap up to speed-wash them while she tackled the bathroom. I noticed that she seemed to avoid me if possible and gave me the stink-eye when we made eye contact. Oh my god she hates me, I thought. I must have insulted her or maybe she hates white people. I get it, white people suck. I'll try to smile more or maybe do the dishes earlier and not be still in my PJs when she gets here.

I shared my feelings with Joel who thought my maid issue was amusing but had no idea what to do. I started to greet her at the door with a big smile and would say "hey it's OK, I you don't need to clean up today" hoping she'd be thrilled to have a shorter shift.  I was met with dagger eyes. I just made it worse.