The rules of good manners in Canada

The manner of greeting, gestures, phrases under certain circumstances differ in different countries. Ignorance of national habits of good taste, rules of politeness betrays an immigrant, forms a negative opinion about a person. Canada is a multinational state. The mixing of cultures has influenced people's behavioral habits and etiquette. Canadians are not conflict and friendly people, they avoid sharp corners in disputes, it is easy to come to an understanding with them. Honesty, modesty, respect for someone else's individuality are the basis for the formation of manners accepted in Canadian society.

If you want to adapt quickly, you should study the Canadian mentality and follow the rules of good manners. Consider how to comply with social norms in a given situation.

At the meeting

At the first meeting, unfamiliar people shake hands. So do both men and women. Good acquaintances sometimes hug each other to demonstrate the joy of meeting. Close relatives exchange kisses, especially among people from France. Do not shake hands with a person if he extended it - a manifestation of extreme rudeness.

A handshake may be accompanied by the question "How are you?", "How are you?". But the question does not mean that the person is really interested in your business, it is just a form of greeting, so a detailed answer is not required. It is appropriate to respond with "Thank you, good" or simply "Thank you."

At the restaurant

There is a certain restaurant etiquette in Canada. It is advisable to arrive on time. The main course is served to all guests at the same time, latecomers are expected. Canadians are very polite to waiters. To call the waiter, you need to raise your hand, but in no case snap your fingers. To attract the attention of a nearby waiter, just say "I'm sorry."

It is customary to tip in restaurants. Usually they are 15% of the order amount. Refusing to give a "tip" is considered bad manners.

Some tips:

• a fork and knife put on a plate show the waiter that you have finished eating;
• if you want to take a break, cutlery should be placed next to the plate;
• putting your elbows on the table, talking with a full mouth is not allowed;
• it is impolite to chew noisily, slurp;
• it is customary to talk not loudly, without interrupting the interlocutors. In a conversation, it is undesirable to touch on topics that can cause a negative reaction, for example, to discuss politics, religion;
• eating chips, hamburger, pizza with your hands is not considered bad manners, despite the presence of cutlery.

Don't be surprised if the woman you invite to a restaurant pays for herself. This is considered the norm. Guests who have been invited, such as a couple, can also pay their own bill.

At a birthday party or at a party

Canadians prefer to celebrate birthdays and other significant events in restaurants, but sometimes they invite a company to visit. There are rules here too:

• it is desirable, but not necessary, to bring a treat with you: a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine. At a barbecue, it is better to take alcohol, steaks with you;
• for a children's birthday, a gift is received not only by the hero of the occasion, but also by all the little guests present;
• it is not customary to be late for a visit. Lateness can last no more than 15 minutes. You should not come before the appointed time;
• if the birthday of an adult is celebrated in a restaurant, it is not customary for the culprit to publicly give a gift. This is only allowed within the family circle. A replacement for a gift can be payment for your order. The decision to give a present depends on the proximity of people's relationships, personal preferences.

At a party it is not customary to ask about health, talk about your illnesses, be interested in the personal life of the hosts. Good topics for communication are sports, weather, current events in the country, but without evaluative statements.

In public transport

When boarding public transport, you must follow the queue. The one who came last will never enter the door first. You can sit or stand on a bus or train. In the salons there are allocated places for the disabled, pregnant women, children. If such places are free, they can be taken, but get up immediately if one of these citizens is nearby.

Giving up seats in public transport is not accepted, only people from the former CIS or China do this. Not allowed:

• stand too close to another person;
• look at it long and hard. Passengers look at the floor, at a book, at a mobile phone;
• consume food.

Canadians have a special attitude towards sneezing, not only in transport, anywhere. The sneezer says "Sorry", and in response he hears "Bless you", as a sign of sympathy.

Knowing and observing the elementary rules of good manners helps to feel confident and comfortable in any situation.