Canada: Awkward Barrista

Canada Dept: DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I work as a barrista in a caf . A few months ago a very friendly man who is a new immigrant to Canada started coming in regularly. He's friendly to everybody, but for some reason he's particularly friendly to me. Nothing about his behaviour is creepy or sexual, but about a month ago he invited me to his house for lunch with his family. I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I said something like "maybe one day" and changed the subject. He's brought it up a few times since then, and each time I've done the same sort of thing. To complicate things, his English is quite poor and we often misunderstand each other. Yesterday he asked again, and I felt so put on the spot that I said yes. I'm supposed to go over there next week, but the idea makes me feel really uncomfortable. He comes to my workplace often and I don't want things to be awkward or for him to think I don't like him. How do I get my feelings across politely and with basic English? -- Awkward Barrista, Osborne Village Dear Awkward: You need to explain things to him in terms of cultural difference here in Canada. If a person wants to make a romantic tie with a new woman, he doesn't invite her home to meet the family until there is a relationship. Tell him gently, if you wish to get to know him better, that you would meet him for dinner at a restaurant, but that going home to meet the parents now would be considered too soon in Canada. Don't want to date him? You need to find out what it is he wants with you. Maybe he just wants to be friends too. If he sees you a Canadian woman who is just a friend, then go for lunch and enjoy meeting this new circle. But whatever you do, obey your gut. A person should never give in to pressure like you have done -- sometimes it isn't even safe. Communication about the situation you have here is a must. You have not been making a big enough effort to communicate thoughts and feelings above and beyond saying yes or no to the invitation, so start a real conversation with him now. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.