how much I made

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Recently I read a passage in a text with an obscure expression, namely"how much I made". Could you explain to me its meaning in the following context?

"I couldn't believe it when the saleswomen asked me how much I made! I should have told het "It's none your business!". After all, she has nothing to do with my personal life. That's invasion of privacy! I was just being polite and talking to her while I tried on my new pants.

Some people just don't know where to draw the line."

I assume that on this place the meaning of this expression is close to the meaning of "How much (money) do you make (a week)?" or something of the same but I am in doubt. Maybe there is a delicate sexual hint, which was embarrassed the customer?

Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Regards.

V.

[rewboss]

No, there's no sexual connotation here. You are correct in your assumption that the saleswoman was simply asking the customer how much money he or she earned.

The customer was outraged because in many cultures (for example, British culture), such information is considered very private. In America there is not quite the same taboo about this subject, but even so it would be inappropriate for a sales assistant to ask that question. It would be like asking, "What is your first name?" -- you might ask that question to somebody you met at a social event, but not in this context.

[vil]

Hi rewboss,

Thank you for your telling reply.

Thank you also for the further explanations concerning the national peculiarities of the different nations. My ignorance of the British and American culture is no excuse for the great number of embarrassing situation, which are unfortunately unavoidable experiences in my life lately. Sometimes I just don't know where to draw the line.

Regards.

V.