--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It was the most ordinary thing in the…" description: "\"“It was the most ordinary thing in the world, but it felt like we were lovers or something, because in Japan dads don't generally hug and kiss their ki..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/ruth-ozeki-2896_love_it-was-the-most-ordinary-thing-in-the-wo_408403.jpg" --- # It was the most ordinary thing in the world, but it felt… ![“It was the most ordinary thing in the world, but it felt like we were lovers or something, because in Japan dads don't generally hug and kiss their kids. Don't ask me why. They just don't. But we kissed and hugged because we were American, at least in our hearts, and then we'd both step away…” quote by Ruth Ozeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/ruth-ozeki-2896_love_it-was-the-most-ordinary-thing-in-the-wo_408403.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/ruth-ozeki-2896_love_it-was-the-most-ordinary-thing-in-the-wo_408403.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c9/ruth-ozeki-2896_love_it-was-the-most-ordinary-thing-in-the-wo_408403.jpg) > ““It was the most ordinary thing in the world, but it felt like we were lovers or something, because in Japan dads don't generally hug and kiss their kids. Don't ask me why. They just don't. But we kissed and hugged because we were American, at least in our hearts, and then we'd both step away really fast in case anyone was watching.”” [Ruth Ozeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-ozeki/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A rare display of affection feels extraordinary in a culture where such intimacy is uncommon, highlighting how personal identity can override social norms. **In simple terms:** Unusual affection feels special when it clashes with cultural expectations. Key Takeaway Embrace authentic moments despite cultural constraints. Themes culture family identity intimacy norms Mood reflective nostalgic Type personal cultural emotional When to use this quote - parent‑child bonding - immigrant family life - public displays of affection - cultural adaptation Key Concepts cultural conditioning personal authenticity cross‑cultural dynamics Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance personal expression with cultural expectations? - What risks are worth taking for genuine connection? A Different Perspective Such moments may be fleeting and can cause discomfort if others disapprove. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) ## Related quotes > [“It was the most ordinary thing in the world, but it felt like we were doing something illegal, lovers or something, because in Japan…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-ozeki/it-was-the-most-ordinary-thing-in-the-world-but-it-felt-like-we-were-2/) [Ruth Ozeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-ozeki/) > [“I could feel she was angry with me because of my gawkiness, because of my accent and my oilskin bag, bound with twine. 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