In "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld, the narrative explores the differences in attitudes and values between Eastern and Western cultures. It highlights how some individuals from the East may view social niceties as superficial, emphasizing their tendency to prioritize authenticity over mere politeness. This perspective suggests that emotional honesty carries more weight than the traditional insistence on being nice for the sake of appearances. Moreover, the story reflects on the implications of these cultural differences in social interactions. The characters navigate their relationships with varying expectations, revealing underlying tensions that arise when perceived niceness clashes with genuine feelings. This exploration encourages readers to reconsider the importance of sincerity in communication and the complexities of human interactions across cultural boundaries.

In "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld, the narrative explores the differences in attitudes and values between Eastern and Western cultures. It highlights how some individuals from the East may view social niceties as superficial, emphasizing their tendency to prioritize authenticity over mere politeness. This perspective suggests that emotional honesty carries more weight than the traditional insistence on being nice for the sake of appearances.

Moreover, the story reflects on the implications of these cultural differences in social interactions. The characters navigate their relationships with varying expectations, revealing underlying tensions that arise when perceived niceness clashes with genuine feelings. This exploration encourages readers to reconsider the importance of sincerity in communication and the complexities of human interactions across cultural boundaries.