Rude!

What You Should Never Do in Other Countries

(Just in case if you're planning a trip abroad... If not, don't bother okay? Hehe...)

Hi there folks! 

Here, i just want to share several rules that i have come a crossed in The World's Best Loved Magazine or also known as a Reader's Digest in which a rules to avoid offending the locals.

1) Don't smile at strangers in Russia

They'll see it as an intimate gesture, indicating a genuine affinity toward another person. If you don't know them, they might consider you insincere. (Well, it sounded bizarre right? But then, it does make sense too if someone you barely know just smile at you especially if it's a smirk kind of smile... Ugh!).

2) Don't use your left hand in India

The left hand is thought of as unclean in Indian culture, so always use your right hand to greet someone, exchange money, or pick up merchandise. (This is very common i guess, especially here in Malaysia. Being Asian, we did practice this in our daily life so nothing to ponder about. But... for left-handed, it's indeed something to ponder here! No offence...)

3) Don't wave your chopsticks around in China

It's like drumming with your knife and fork. (This is probably acceptable since yeah, who is in their right mind would wave a knife freely. Unless there's my enemy around and I'd love to... *a bit of a laugh*) 

4) Don't forget to say hello in France

'"Bonjour madame monsieur" should be the first words out of your mouth, otherwise you're subtly showing you feel the person is beneath you. (Such a small remarks or gestures do matter here, apparently.)

That's it for this entry... 

Till then!

Source: Reader's Digest Asia (December, 2014)