I don’t think it has to be that deep. The world is a big place, full of many cultures that operate - especially with giving criticism - very differently. You don’t need to master the tone of every culture, but it’s important to at least be cognisant that even these difference exist.
I have lived for a few decades at this point and have noticed, like anyone else I imagine, a desire in (some, but a nontrivial percentage of) people to maintain lifelong ways of thinking and behaving that have been historically associated with early life.
For example, a desire to be praised and not challenged, to dress like a teenager even as one nears retirement, to show a degree of enthusiasm for pedestrian events that was once reserved for major accomplishments.
> to dress like a teenager even as one nears retirement
For some of us this is a KPI of our life/job satisfaction.
I can tell you that if I was in some job that did not allow me to schlep around in hoodies and cargo pants I would be much, much less happy than I am today.
I don't like to judge the appearance of others and prefer just to maintain high standards for myself. My comment was descriptive and not normative.
I like working out and being in shape, but if others prefer to do some side project at night instead of hitting weights, it is fine with me.
I enjoy reading and thinking, but if others prefer to watch reality tv, who am I to judge them?
Admittedly, seeing some of my middle-aged colleagues who are complete slobs, from their worn-out clothes to their prominent bellies to their unkempt hair and beards and some fun smell coming out of them, is a stress-test for the fortitude of my beliefs.
