Seat Taken. Bless you!
After waiting in a long lunch line and finally getting your food, the most difficult problem in life is figuring out where to sit. If this happens to you while in Singapore, bring a packet of tissue of some kind, as this will be your seat saver as you go to buy your lunch. Taking ownership of an empty seat by placing tissues on the table is common in Singapore (it even has a name, Chop-ing). Some think it’s impolite, while others think it’s reasonable, given that you only have 30 minutes for lunch.
Bring On The Uncle
In Singapore, all adults (or anyone perceived as an adult by a child) are referred to as aunts or uncles. You don’t have to be related to anyone, or even have siblings. You are automatically referred to as a relative if you exist. It is slightly losing touch with the modern generation, but in most communities across the country, drop the Mr. and Mrs. and grab on to aunt and uncle.