I think if your in a relationship you subconsciously change, but I would not and would not expect my partner to change because they would not be the person I fell in love with.
I agree with you on Skype dam thing decided to update right at the beginning of a conversation, now the picture is blurring grrr, but whatsapp is ok, at the moment.
Here it's shake hands until you know them better, then a kiss on cheek, then the more you know them two kisses, I hate meetings especially as they have no idea of time and drift in late, then have to kiss everyone, then the next late one arrives and its kiss kiss, drives me bonkers.
No eulogy for me, nobody would understand it, so crematorium and chucked in the sea. But I've chosen the music..another one bites the dust, you are my sunshine, and only look on the bright side of life. It'll totally baffle the French.
Last year I had loads of Apple's, so I put a notice on my post box just saying frees Apple's, but you puck them. They came picked and came back a few days later with a compot.
RE: How many of your gifts / decorations were made in China?
Probably most things, they are quietly taking over the world. Hope you had a good Christmas.