All commonly accepted rules of behavior are somehow connected to the concept of beauty.
In our time, many of these rules are purely traditional, and their practical value is somewhat questionable. For instance, the custom of a man walking ahead of a woman when descending stairs dates back to a time when men carried candles and women wore long dresses. They were concerned about stepping on the elegant fabrics.
In European cultures, it is customary to shake hands when greeting. Today, this is seen as a sign of respect. In ancient times, however, it was a way to demonstrate peaceful intentions: showing that one’s hands were unarmed. In the East, Arabs cross their arms over their chests, Turkmen tuck their hands into their long sleeves, and for the Chinese, hands hang freely at their sides when bowing.
Some people are unsure of what to do with their hands in social situations. Keep them on your lap or on the table (but not with elbows spread wide). Try to rid yourself of habits like fidgeting, tapping fingers on the table, biting nails, scratching your head or behind your ear, or massaging your cheeks with your hands.
A polite person in social settings tries not to turn their back to anyone, sitting facing their conversation partner or, at the very least, sideways. When elders enter a room, younger people stand up. Men also do this when a woman enters.
The tone of conversation conveys nuances of emotion and willpower. It reflects, to some extent, a person’s character and indicates whether you are dealing with a well-mannered or rude individual. The tone in a conversation is as significant as gestures and postures in one’s demeanor. The same word or phrase can affect us differently depending on the tone in which it is delivered.
When talking to someone, avoid engaging in unrelated activities—don’t read, chat with a neighbor, play with a cat, “study” the ceiling, or gaze dreamily out the window. Such behavior can be offensive.
It is impolite to speak across a table, down a hallway, shout from a balcony, across the street, or from a bus. However, you also shouldn’t stand so close that you can feel the other person’s breath.