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Social rules in different countries

7 replies

Blueisthecolour1 · 09/03/2023 18:33

Am fascinated by how different countries - cities even - have different social rules that are unspoken but nonetheless most people adhere to. For example, in Japan when you take or give an item to another person you do so with both hands, not usually one. You also are very careful not to say “no” or reject something/someone in a very direct manner as this may cause offence.

London - generally I observe Londoners to be very polite, but they do not initiate conversation. There is a respectful sort of quietness on the trains; no talking whilst travelling seems to be a social rule of politeness.

France - careful to abide by the rules, say, of the swimming pool or in other public spaces and maintain a uniform behaviour in public. Outrageous or ribald behaviour unless it’s part of an organised group having scheduled fun is frowned upon & strangers will pick you up on it if you step out of the social line very quickly. Same goes for Switzerland.

What have you observed and where?

OP posts:
SnuggleBuggleBoo · 09/03/2023 18:40

There will be gasps of horror if you wish a German person 'Happy Birthday' in advance, even if their party is the night before.

freshprincessofbatshit · 09/03/2023 19:00

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 09/03/2023 18:40

There will be gasps of horror if you wish a German person 'Happy Birthday' in advance, even if their party is the night before.

Oh shit really?! I just did that 😅

dawoosh · 09/03/2023 19:00

In Germany, Santa comes on Christmas Eve! That one really surprised me.

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SnuggleBuggleBoo · 09/03/2023 19:01

freshprincessofbatshit · 09/03/2023 19:00

Oh shit really?! I just did that 😅

Nooooo!

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 09/03/2023 19:03

dawoosh · 09/03/2023 19:00

In Germany, Santa comes on Christmas Eve! That one really surprised me.

No he doesn't! St Nikolaus comes on the night of the 5th December, and the Christkind comes on Christmas Eve!

PuttingDownRoots · 09/03/2023 19:04

Don't stand on the wrong side of an escalator on the tube!!!

In Cyprus its perfectly normal for the restaurant owner to give your kids an ice cream or sweets (after their dinner) without asking you.

SnuggleBuggleBoo · 09/03/2023 19:09

PuttingDownRoots · 09/03/2023 19:04

Don't stand on the wrong side of an escalator on the tube!!!

In Cyprus its perfectly normal for the restaurant owner to give your kids an ice cream or sweets (after their dinner) without asking you.

I was gunna say, in Spain you can expect your toddler to just be scooped up and carried off for fuss and cuddles by complete strangers in restaurants. Quite alarming for a Brit!

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