staying ahead

This is probably my first negative post since I have been in Korea. There is something called "nunchi" (눈치) here which means something like staying ahead of your friends, family members, co-workers, and acquaintances so as to keep them pleased to avoid any misunderstandings or bad feelings. One has to understand all the niceties of this society as well as people's feelings so that one knows what makes them happy, sad, tick, etc. I heard that it is kind of like a sixth sense. It is a way that Koreans keep harmony within groups even if it means telling a white lie here and there. For me however, I feel like I am walking on broken glass.

My boss has not been the most generous person since the New Year and it seems as though it is getting harder everyday. One of my co-worker was actually on the verge of tears because of all the work that was dumped on her. Now as a Korean, she has this sixth sense and so she is well aware of how to deal with it when it comes to talking to our boss. It is extremely indirect and it actually made cringe when I saw it. I wanted to give my boss a piece of my mind at the time but it probably would have made her cry too.