Etiquette Secrets: how to behave in England

I love the English bridge, London omnibuses, telephone booths and blue sky.
Pete Doherty

England - a country whose natives are striking in their adherence to traditions. English perfectly comply with the norms and rules of etiquette, not for nothing that this is a country which originated the concept of "a true gentleman."

Today we want to tell you about the basic rules of etiquette, which are accepted in England. We hope that familiarity with them will help you when you decide to visit Albion.

As it is customary to greet and say goodbye

greet

All of us with English language school lessons known universal English greeting «Hi!» And «Hello!». They can be used in almost any situation.

Also in England there are greetings depending on the time of day: «! Good morning», «! Good afternoon» and «Good evening!». If you communicate with your friends, or other familiar people, you can reduce the data expression to their informal counterparts: «Morning!» And «Evening!».

«Hiya!» - very informal greeting, which is used mostly by teenagers. The combination of hi and you. Translated as "Hello, how are you?".

Coming to another country, you need to know exactly how long is a particular period of the day. In England greet a man phrase «Good morning!» Can be a gap between the early morning and lunch. But in China, for example, "good morning" - it is quite a short period between the morning awakening and breakfast.

If you meet someone late at night, do not tell him «Good night!» - in English is not a greeting and farewell.

Men of note: in the UK is not accepted, greeting with a lady, kissing her hand.

Greeting with a lady, a man can make a light bow.

The two sides rarely touch each other, even the ladies, greeting each other, only pretend to smack each other on the cheek.

The most common gesture of greeting with a handshake is considered to be in England, but do not abuse them. English shake hands quickly without holding someone else's hand in his. A pat on the shoulder or other similar gestures in Albion considered a faux pas.

According to the rules of English etiquette, after greeting is not accepted immediately move on to personal matters, you must first talk to a neutral topic, often talk about the weather.

say goodbye

• Bye - the most common English farewell. It is universal and applicable to almost any situation.
• Have a good day (Translated as "good day") - so you can say goodbye to the business partners and colleagues, polite and courteous farewell.
• Keep in touch - it usually forgiven when they know they will not see the interlocutor for some time. Literally translated, "stay in touch", that is, write, call, keep in touch.
• I'm out! - farewell to the subtext implies that you are happy that leave. In Russian this phrase can be translated as "I unwound."
• Remember me to your wife - an option of parting can be heard among the older generation. Translation: "Give my regards to your wife."

How to communicate

In England adopted a two-stage process of acquaintance: people with each other have to introduce a mediator. Acquainted familiar way for us "tete-a-tete" there is not accepted.

The first and unshakable rule that you have to remember: Never, never do not be late. The British appreciate the time and they have not accepted, not only late to meetings, but even a dinner in his own home. However, despite the fact that being late is not recommended, to come to the meeting earlier in England, too, is not accepted, so that the best way out is to come just in time.

In person the British do not exhibit excessive emotionality. A conversation worth having discreetly as possible to avoid gestures. But no one stops to smile, smile - is that very often you can see on the face of the Englishman. Say to his companion compliments: it is considered commonplace, and no one to rank you for sycophants and flatterers. But here's to show off or something different to praise themselves are not accepted in the beloved England.

Englishman rarely goes to the conflict. Even in the most difficult situation he would make every effort to settle the matter peacefully. Take note of this, but do not overdo it: the boiling point at all, of course, different, but it is known, has a limit.

If you want your partner thought you were open and honest person who does not hide his hands in his pockets - keep them in sight.

To talk about his personal life, and even more to complain about, it is not accepted in England. You may find a weak man, and self-esteem are in special honor.

It considered indecent closely and for a long time to look into the eyes of his interlocutor. The same rule works in the public transport: to examine passengers not accepted, and if you send a curious look at the newspaper, which reads a person nearby, it would be indecent.

Despite the fact that at first glance may seem secretive British and restrained to communicate, they have a great sense of humor and they love to joke. It is not necessary to take to heart their jokes in your address and even more so it is not necessary to take offense at them.

The English are very polite, so do not believe all the sacred compliment that they will say in your address. For example, if they praise your English, you should not be proud of it and begin to consider themselves perfect - it is likely that the Englishman told you this just out of politeness.

Some of the most common phrases in English - «Thank you» and «I'm sorry».

Business Etiquette

Politeness - any relationship dominant in England, especially business. Be polite with his business partner, and he will repay you in kind.

It should be remembered that silence in England - this does not consent, but simply an expression of respect. Even if your business partner is fundamentally disagree with your position, he still listens to you until the end.

The British love to enterprising people, so do not be afraid to take the initiative.

Stiff upper lip - literally "solid upper lip."

This sentence describes the self-restraint and self-control of the British. As we have seen above, in England do not like to openly show their emotions and expect the same from their business partner. Despite this, the humor that the British are very appreciated, there will always be a place even in business relations.

British businessmen, as a rule, people are knowledgeable and well-read, versed not only in the professional in the field, but also in the fields of literature, cinema, art in general. Be prepared to keep up the conversation on an abstract theme, which can begin (or end) your business meeting.

Dress code at business meetings ordinary standards: strict dress or suit for women, business attire for men.

Table manners

The British are very strictly adhere to the rules of behavior at the table, so if you want them to have had a good opinion of you, it is better to read the rules of etiquette at the table.

If the table has a strange people, it is not necessary for them to apply to the moment when you are not present to each other, because it is impolite.

Watch out for your hands: in any case, do not put them on the table - keep on the lap.

Many of us have known this English tradition, as the five-o'clock tea, ie tea party at 5:00 pm. In England, you very often will be invited for a cup of tea, do not give up: the refusal hosts can take over a personal insult. And after going to visit do not forget to send a note with gratitude the owners.

One of the main unspoken rules: the table is not accepted or secretive whispering to a neighbor. The conversation should be common to all.

Gestures and facial expressions

In general, the British are not very welcome gestures while talking: for them it is a clear sign of theatricality and insincerity.

• Victoria (gesture of two fingers, index and middle raised up, indicating the world and win) in the UK becomes offensive value (comparable in scale to show the middle finger), if the brush is rotated to the back of the person to whom converted gesture.
• Your raised eyebrows Englishmen regarded as an expression of skepticism.
• We are accustomed to thinking, bending his fingers, while in England do the same operation is exactly the opposite: when the score was the British did not bend and unbend the fingers, starting with the big one.

love etiquette

Men in England are generally well behaved and never be burdened with a woman their attention if they feel that it is unpleasant.

Girl in England should be a lady, and a lady once worthless to do the first step in a relationship. So that the scheme of our famous Russian novel in England will not work:

I write to you - what more?
What can I say?
From a letter of Tatyana Larina in Eugene Onegin

Men of note: British women are very fond of young people with a sense of humor. This, incidentally, one of the main criteria by which they choose a husband. :)

In England not accepted immediately "fall in love pool with his head". Any relationship usually precedes friendship.

By marrying in England responsible approach: no self-respecting Englishman does not offer the girl a hand and heart, if there is no sure fire way to support his family.

That is not accepted in England

• Push forward the queue. The English are always waiting for your turn to patiently and very negative attitude towards those who do not follow this simple rule.
• Demonstrate tip the waiter. They should be quietly put under a napkin.
• Smoking in public places.
• Loudly blow his nose. It is considered very rude.

England - a country which is definitely worth a visit - with its wonderful traditions and unique etiquette.

If you have anything to add on the subject, waiting for you in the comments.