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Thursday, December 30, 2010

Rules of politeness in Britain

Over the years, the English were associated with a type of conduct and a strict set of rules of etiquette gave the status of a civilized nation, but rigid - and often the unwritten laws of society have made it look cool or snobbish in comparison with other cultures, considered more open and welcoming.

General Rules
Punctuality is vital for England, but to get a few minutes earlier, surely, is supported.

The English are not very familiar with strangers and do not like effusions in public. The standard greeting is a simple handshake. Also, personal space (distance from other people) is strictly adhered to, and touching in public, even without non-explicit sexual nature, must be avoided at all costs.

Also avoid the British to talk about thorny issues or themes considered almost taboo such as religion, salary, private life or sexual themes, change the subject in the agenda, which is completely harmless one, namely ... time. Also, avoid negative references to the royal family.

Transportation and traffic
Most tourists do not know the features that accompany the British daily trips on the bus, subway or taxi, but you can very quickly since the very first day. First, in London as in other cities of Great Britain, is standing in line, regardless of how long it takes to get to the bus or subway, train, etc.. It is considered rude to jump turn, and often can even get a reprimand from an older person.

For Metro, the descent on the escalator, right side is reserved for travelers who do not hurry, so those who prefer to go down the stairs at a normal pace, and the left is used by those who wish to increase the pace to catch the first metro . Frequently, tourists violate this simple rule of politeness, to the displeasure of local residents.


It is also considered good sense to offer your seat on the bus or subway elderly people with various disabilities, pregnant women, mothers with children or help someone to their luggage. The means of transportation do not eat things that have a strong smell, drink alcohol, no headphones and listen to music than do not speak loudly. In addition, it shows a lack of common sense if you stare persistently look at someone in public transport (the English expression and look specifically for these persistent and uncomfortable - "Staring").
In traffic, traffic rules and regulations letter are very rare for them to be violated, especially because of large fines. For example, seat belts is compulsory for both front passengers, and for those on the back seat. The rule applies both to car, as well as taxis and the fine for violating this law is about 300 pounds. Honking in London and the rest of the country is allowed by law, but is not considered as evidence of good conduct. Consequently, it is used only in cases when it is absolutely necessary and may take months until you get to hear a claxonand driver on a street, no matter how busy they are.
In societyThe English are very protocol when it comes to titles, so you have to pay a special appearance and address, when you talk to someone. In universities, but also at work, there are different degrees of familiarity that should be respected as such. For example, if a superior position include a PhD or Professor (in Britain, the title of Professor is the highest), then we need to address or refer politely to the person in question, always using the title that was granted unless you are asked to give up the formalities. However, non-academic society and outside work is very open and free of unnecessary formalities. Often, in the university are permitted familiarity, especially for young teachers who have the title of Lecturer and will insist he tutuiesti.
The English put great emphasis on good manners, so I always hold doors for other people, especially men to women, and always in a room is entered in order of rank.
If you accidentally bump with another person on the street or the subway, is essential to say "sorry", and one even said the same thing. "Yes, please" and "No, thank you" are on the agenda and perhaps you will hear constantly in any situation or time of day, so we recommend you use them, regardless of where you are, from supermarket 5-star hotel.
In pubs and restaurantsIn the pubs of London, and the rest of the country, no waiters, bartenders only, so all orders, including food, will command bar. In some pubs orders not bring to the table by bartenders, but must be collected. If you are part of a larger group, it is considered rude and otherwise inefficient, all to go to the bar to ask for a drink. Usually, tradition requires that someone will buy the first drink, followed by others. In pubs, bartenders do not give tips in general, but if you insist you can offer them a drink, a gesture that will be seen as a sign of friendship.


In restaurants, tip consists of at least 10% of the total amount of the note, and can be included or not, therefore, you should always look at the note, to see if the service was included or not in In general, it is polite to wait until everyone has received rations before eating, but between friends is not absolutely necessary.

Usually, one who is invited to pay table note - of course, that's not true between close friends, which usually divide "nemteste.

Though many rules and habits are common, there are significant differences of temperament between comporatament and even British, Irish, Scottish and Wales.
  

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