2. You eat her cooking, even when it’s a flop.
“Even I knew it wasn’t good, but he cleaned his plate and said that he was fortunate to be able to have my home-cooked meal,” chuckles one Japanese woman in her late 20s. Many Japanese women enjoy cooking and take pride in serving home-cooked meals to their boyfriends. Instead of complaining about what’s wrong with her cooking, show your appreciation for her efforts in preparing the meal. After you clean the plate, make a subtle suggestion, like “I think a pinch of salt will make it even better next time.” It’s much easier to accept constructive criticism after receiving positive feedback.