Malaysia — 10 things that told me I had been living in Malaysia for too long

What ten things convinced me I had been in Malaysia too long?

So, what were the top ten things that suggested, as a non-Malaysian, I had been living in Malaysia too long, and it was time to move on?

1. I started putting chilli sauce on everything, including spicy dishes such as Kampung Fried Rice, and spicy fried mee hoon

I love the chilli sauce; it goes well with everything.

2. I no longer complained that the air con was too cold (the air con was ridiculously cold in Malaysia)

When I first arrived in Malaysia, I used to ask taxi drivers to turn down the air con as I found it too cold. Then, I noticed I didn’t mind it being on full blast and found it odd to go somewhere that didn’t have the air con cranked up.

3. I could peel a prawn with a fork and a spoon

This one was pointed out to me by a visiting friend when we went out for a meal in KL. My friend was amazed at how quickly I could peel prawns using a fork and a spoon. He sat there and struggled to use his fingers.

4. I could get all the meat of a chicken leg using a fork and a spoon

Similar to number four. If you eat out in Malaysia, you very rarely see a knife on the table. It is always a fork and a spoon, and over time you become an expert in using the spoon to get the meat off the bones and shells of prawns.

5. I felt offended if given cutlery in a Chinese restaurant

I had made an effort and took pride in eating with chopsticks. Plus, I was no longer a hazard spraying food everywhere.

6. I felt offended if someone passes you something with their left hand

It’s a religious thing. Years later, I still get this, and I still never pass something with my left hand. Likewise, I still point with my thumb and not my finger.

7. I started to think it was normal to be called ‘Boss!’

It’s a weird thing. I used to get called ‘boss’ at numerous places I went.

8. I didn’t freak out when a cockroach walked across the lounge floor

I didn’t. I would calmly reach for the can of Raid and zap it.

9. I no longer jumped at the sound of thunder

Thunderstorms are numerous in Malaysia, and I got used to them. The loud bangs and crashes become part of everyday life, and, strangely, they became quite comforting.

10. I expected motorbikes and other cars to overtake me on the wrong side when driving on a motorway

Well, you see this in many countries, but it seemed particularly bad in Malaysia.

OK, so those were my ten signs that, as a non-Malaysian, I had been living in Malaysia too long.

What is your ten? Do you have any to add to the above?