It’s not uncommon to encounter people from far-away places whose etiquette seems odd, which is why it’s best to know how to behave under all circumstances.
Shake Hands, But Not Yet
The act of shaking hands was first recorded by the ancient Sumerians and is said to have developed as a way for strangers to show they weren’t a threat. It’s now simply a gesture of friendliness when meeting someone new or an old friend. However, if you find yourself meeting someone new in Russia, it’s considered bad luck to shake hands in a doorway—wait until you’re either inside the home or office or outside.Master the Aisle Pass
At the movies, opera, or a baseball game, unless you’re in the end seat, you’ll need to squeeze past others to get to or from your seat. It’s best to stay seated, but sometimes you simply have to take a bathroom break. Instead of passing the others in often very tight aisles with your back to them, pass them as you face them, politely saying, “I’m so sorry, please excuse me.” This method also makes it a bit easier to maneuver around overly large people.Be Gracious
Grace under pressure isn’t just a saying but an actual way of life. Things occasionally go wrong, such as if an Uber driver makes a wrong turn or a waiter drops a plate of food on you. How we deal with these scenarios tells the world a lot about us. Brusquely berating someone who’s simply doing their job is never acceptable. Take a deep breath and find a way to correct the situation without making the offending party feel even worse. They'll be eternally grateful, and observers will be impressed.Know When to be Helpful
Offering a helping hand is usually the right thing to do, but there are those scenarios in which it’s best to not get involved. If you’re at a friend’s dinner party and see your host struggling with a stack of plates, it’s OK to step in and help, but for the same scenario in a restaurant, stay seated. Most servers know the trick to carrying heavy or awkward loads—your offer of assistance might inadvertently cause them to drop the items.Burping is Encouraged ... Sometimes
OK, maybe burps aren’t quite acceptable when eating at Grandma’s house during the holidays, or at any other time of year, but some cultures actively encourage a healthy, rattle-the-bookshelves burp after eating. It’s the equivalent of yelling “Bravo” to the chef, letting him or her know that they prepared a very enjoyable meal. On a related note, in Japan, slurping your soup assures the chef that you’re really enjoying it. But don’t try this with Grandma!
