Always send thank you cards. Pretend to like people even if you don't. Invite disenfranchised relatives over for the holidays.
"Be Chinese." I think my mother started saying those words to me when I was still an embryo. Throughout my life, I've heard her dispense advice to people not of Asian descent with the terms "Play Chinese," "Act Chinese," and "Think Chinese."
Lie when telling the truth might cause someone pain. If you find a pair of shoes you like, buy one of every color. Cheat at cards if you can do it without getting caught. Always take home leftovers.
"Be Chinese." When my mother says these words, she doesn't mean you should get a blood transfusion or become a Chinese citizen. She doesn't mean you should marry into a Chinese family or start hanging out in Chinatown. "Be Chinese" is her way of giving you all the answers to life's questions.
If something doesn't taste good, don't eat it. Exercise bragging rights. If you think someone has a bad idea, be positive and encouraging anyway. Optimism and a smile can take you a long way.
These are the things my mother has taught me through both action and word. This is what it means to "Be Chinese."
A story is everything; if you know someone is telling a story, pretend to believe him. If you don't have a good story, make something up.