A Korean friend said as we parted, "Let's grab a meal sometime!" That's what they said. The international student was delighted and immediately asked, "How about Friday, then?" and, they say, opened up their calendar. They say the friend was flustered for a moment. ## A "sometime" without a date is just a greeting This phrase usually means, "See you again sometime. I like you." If it's a real plan, a date or a place comes with it. "How about lunch this Friday?" Like that. So if all you heard was "sometime," you can take it as a warm goodbye. ## Why Rice, of All Things? Korean elders have long greeted people by asking, "Have you eaten?" That was how they asked how you were doing. In times when it was hard to make a living, saying you had eaten meant "I'm doing fine, nothing's wrong." That greeting has survived to this day. Also, Korea has the word '식구(食口)'. 식구 means family, and literally it's "mouths that eat rice together." People thought of those who eat meals together as family. So "Let's eat" can also mean "Let's get closer." ## Try answering like this When someone asks "Have you eaten?", answer "Yes, I have. And you, teacher?" even if you haven't. it's natural to ask back. If you really want to eat together, ask, "Sure! When works for you?" and ask. If the other person names a date, it's a real plan. If the answer is vague, you can just smile and let it go. You don't have to feel hurt. Because those words already carry a warm heart.