Social

Small physical gestures — a bow, a cheek kiss, a hand offered a certain way — carry outsized social weight. These entries cover how greetings and everyday courtesy signal respect from country to country, often in ways a visitor wouldn't guess from the outside.

24 rules.

Social

Social rules

Let them lead the cheek kiss, and match the local count

Never criticize someone in front of others

Let the host toast first, and clink lower

Greet friends with la bise, not a hug

Always say "Bonjour" before anything else

Don't mistake directness for rudeness

Reciprocate favors with chenchule'

Greet elders with nginge'

Greet with namaste, and touch elders' feet

Dress well even for a quick errand

Take your shoes off indoors

Turn away when drinking with elders

Never write a living person's name in red ink

Number 4 is unlucky, 7 is lucky

Use a title or honorific, not a first name

Greet with a handshake or a single cheek kiss

Use "po" and "opo" to show respect

Dress modestly, and don't initiate contact across genders

Use your right hand for eating, greeting, and giving

Never touch someone's head, or point your feet at them

Greet with a wai, matched to who you're greeting

Always queue, never cut in

Weather is always safe small talk

Greet the oldest person in the room first