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Cultural Etiquette
Cultural Dos and Taboos
1. The firm handshake is the standard greeting for men and women, upon meeting and again upon departure. Even children are encouraged to shake hands. Handshakes may often include grasping the arm with the other hand. At a large gathering, if no one is giving formal introductions, it is proper to shake hands and introduce yourself. When introduced to a woman, wait to see if see extends her hand before offering to shake. In general, the woman offers her hand first. In social settings, people may kiss on both cheeks. Also, among friends, expect women to "kiss" on either cheek in a manner more akin to pressing the sides of the face together. Close friends and male relatives often embrace and slap each other on the back.
2. Always rise to be introduced to someone. Note also that most greetings take place at a close distance. Yelling hello across a room would be considered culturally inappropriate. Wait until the person or persons with whom you are meeting are in close proximity to you where a polite greeting can be exchanged.
3. Do not use first names unless you are invited to; formality is still appreciated. One should use the formal form of address such as Mr. or Mrs. followed by a surname, unless invited to move to a first name basis. Younger people are more apt to move to less formal forms of address quickly, while children tend to address each other using first names. Outside the personal sphere, however, it is advisable that professional and governmental titles be used. In business, titles are used more rarely in verbal communication although they are customarily used in written communications. Formality is appreciated.
4. If you are invited to a house for dinner it is fine to bring a small gift for the host or hostess. Flowers are acceptable but one needs to be careful in choosing the color and number. Always bring an odd number of flowers and never bring red or yellow flowers. Never bring chrysanthemums as they are used for funerals. It may be best to ask the florist about the best sort to bring for the occasion. Of course, candy and wine make fine gifts as well.
5. One should always dress accordingly to the situation. Certain restaurants and social activities may call for formal dress. In general, casual dress is fine.
6. Dining is Western style with elbows off the table, the fork held steadfastly in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
7. In conversation, art, food, wine, sports such as bicycling and especially soccer, family, scenery, films, as well as travel, are considered to be good topics of conversation. The unique history and culture of San Marino is also a fine topic of conversation. Europeans tend to be well informed about cultural and political issues, and so one should expect honest and opinionated expression of ideas in this regard. One should, however, avoid talking about one's profession, religion, politics and World War II. One should also not tell risqué jokes.
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