Merhaba Salem,

Hello Everyone - this question does not pertain to Turkish language, but to Turkish culture. Is there a cultural significance to giving a Turkish man a book of Turkish poems?  This was an anthology with no specific genre, but I am now nervous as I do not want to give the wrong impression.  I have been trying to find an answer online but to no avail.  In case it helps, I am an American woman and he is a Turkish man and we have a warm, collegial relationship.  We used to share poetry years ago, and now I worry that I might have sent the wrong message...I am married now.

Any insight would be very helpful.

Thank you!

I have deleted this message since it was found offensive to native Americans by a member.

Dear Vinyards,

I’m terribly sorry - I did not mean to offend.  Maybe I am afloat a bit as you said.

Cheers.

None taken.

Cheers.

I don´t see this as a problem.  Lots of people love poetry....and what is the point of poetry if you don´t share it anyway?  In my opinion, poetry is like music.  It is one of the few things in this world that crosses cultural lines and feeds every human soul.  

I get what you´re asking but I don´t think him being Turkish is an issue.  In my opinion you did not cross any lines unless it was your intent to cross a line in which case, it would be very improper in any culture. 

Hi,

I´ve had working relationships with many different cultures, and it´s absolutely right that it depends entirely upon the person, and the relationship you have, or have had, with them. Just as we ´English´ or ´Americans´ are all different, so is every idividual on the planet.

You may have sent out ´mixed messages´ entirely by mistake, or it might be that you also miss a little of what you had. Either as a relationship, or your love of the Turkish language. I know I miss ´Turkish´.

I think that you just have to be honest with your friend, and say that the book of poems was from one old friend to another. Unless it was a book of LOVE poems, in which case you have a lot of back-tracking to do.

İyi Şanslar

C XXX 

i send love songs to girls all the time. none of them seem to burst into tears of dissapointment