When you are sharing a space with people you don’t know, like in an elevator or while waiting in line at a supermarket, do you smile at them? Make some small talk? Or do you ignore them to create a comfortable distance?
Bruno Vannieu
Asking a Favor
Asking someone for a favor is tricky even in your own culture, but when the person you are asking has a different idea of how this should be done, it can be even more difficult. In some cultures, the best way is to ask directly. In other cultures, it is considered more respectful to hint at your problem and wait for friends to offer their help.
Parents and Children
The first and most basic influence on the way a child relates to the world is whether they sleep alongside their parents, or are made to sleep independently. And what is considered the “right way” to raise children might be to nurture and support them, or it could be to teach them the rules of society as early as possible.
Conversation and Discussion
When having a conversation with someone, are you upfront with what you say, or are you more focused on not offending others? And when discussing a topic, how comfortable are you with expressing disagreement?
Romance and Relationships
The definition of “romantic” is far from universal. What kinds of public displays of affection are OK? Is it better to discuss everything openly, or to be able to understand your partner’s needs without words? How important is it to have friends in common? The answers to these questions may seem natural, but in fact they are deeply cultural.
In a Shop: Cultural Commentary
In shops and businesses in some cultures, customers are treated like royalty. In others, the relationship between staff and customers is more equal. Which feels more like good service to you?
In the Clubhouse
Being involved in a school club can be quite intense in terms of demands on time and effort. Or, it can be seen as a break from studies, and limited to a few hours per week. Both approaches have a deep influence on the way young people learn how to cooperate with others.
Having Guests in Your Home
In some cultures, people enjoy socializing in public places like cafes and restaurants. In other cultures, welcoming guests to your home is considered an important step in friendship, so houses are kept ready to welcome visitors at any time.
In the Classroom
If you have ever studied abroad, you may have noticed that classroom behavior varies from culture to culture. In your country, are classes usually interactive? Do students actively ask and answer questions, or are they usually silent? Who is doing most of the talking int he classroom?