Cultural etiquette ( Archived) (35)

Some of the things about the UK...

-The British are reserved, which may cause them to appear cool and indifferent or overly formal. In fact, they are very friendly and helpful to foreigners.
-Shake hands with everyone present -- men, women, and children -- at business and social meetings. Shake hands again when leaving.
-Handshakes are light -- not firm.
-Women should extend their hand to men first.
-Use last names and appropriate titles until specifically invited by your British hosts or colleagues to use their first names.

-The British are not back slappers or touchers and generally do not display affection in public.
-Hugging, kissing and touching is usually reserved for family members and very close friends.
-The British like a certain amount of personal space. Do not stand too close to another person or put your arm around someone's shoulder.
-Staring is considered rude.

We're used to plenty of room around us...


I guess it's got to do with personal space and all that...

haha Yep.. that's sounds about right.

That's the one, yes..

Yes, of course..... when in Rome and all that?? I travel to Italy a lot, they are a deeply religious people (Roman Catholic mostly). For example, when entering a church, chapel, cathedral, it is customary to cover up exposed flesh as in shoulders and upper legs. Now, I don't hold the same views as them re. religion, but I do abide by those wishes.

I have seen people in barely more than bikinis in these places.... its ignorant and disrespectful...!!

Darn if that is the case, then my Brittish Joe has been corrupted!!

* It is considered rude to stare, ask questions or otherwise bring attention to someone's disability.
* Smoking is very unpopular in the United States. Restaurants have separate smoking and nonsmoking sections. Public and private buildings may ban smoking except in designated areas. Some people do not allow smoking in their homes and will ask you to go outside if you want to have a cigarette. Never smoke anywhere without asking permission from everyone present.
* Names are not held as sacred in the United States. Someone may mispronounce your name and laugh a bit as they do it. Or someone may just call you by your given name if your family name is too difficult to pronounce.
* There are several common names and nicknames that are used by both men and women. Call the person's assistant to ask if you are unsure of his or her gender.
* "Please" and "thank you" are very important in the United States. Say "please" and "thank you" to everyone for even the smallest kindness. Americans say them regardless of rank or how much they are paying for something, and they expect others to do the same.
* Say "Pardon me" or "Excuse me" if you touch someone or even get close to someone. Americans also say this if they sneeze or cough or do not understand something someone has said.
* Americans often share things in casual conversation, even with strangers, that may seem shockingly private.
* Social conversation in the United States is light. There is a standard format for small talk. People ask brief questions and expect brief answers. Americans become uncomfortable when one person talks for any length of time in a social situation.
* If you feel uncomfortable with a question asked of you, simply smile and say, "In my country, that would be a strange question."

Definitely agree with all!

yeah like that .l.

hahaha