Manners around the World

Manners around the world starts with respect for differences.
Not all cultures are the same. Generally speaking, you can be yourself as long as you remain friendly and courteous. Always keep in mind that you are the guest in someone else's country.

For example:

In Europe, do not address people by there first names. Mr. and Mrs. are more commonly used.

Shaking hands is an important business ritual throughout Europe and Britain.

In most countries a handshake should be gentle. A firm handshake can show aggression.

In Asia, instead of a handshake a person will bow from the waist, and the person with the lower status bows more deeply.

In Italy and Russia, close friends will often greet each other with a kiss.

In Europe, men traditionally walk to the left of the ladies. They generally enter a restaurant ahead of the lady - to lead the way to the table.

In some countries, people feel comfortable standing closer to each other, when they are talking. It would be rude to back away. In other countries, like China and Japan, they want more distance between people.

In Holland, they always use utensils. Many Dutch even eat bread with a knife and fork!

In Sweden, you keep your voice down. Swedes are quiet people.

Americans like to whistle, when they are applauding, but in Europe it is known as a type of booing.

In Russia, whistling by women is unladylike.

In some parts of the Middle East, shaking your head "no" means "yes" and nodding your head "yes" means "no".

In a number of countries, keep eye contact with the speaker is rude. They show respect by not looking straight at the person talking.