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Their
international reputation notwithstanding, regular Polish
gents generally no longer kiss women’s hands by way of
greeting, albeit those eager to appear pretty gallant or
old-fashioned still insist.
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Hugging and cheek
kissing are usually reserved for close relatives of any
gender and for close friends of the opposite sex.
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In Poland a
handshake means rather “talk is over” than “it is a deal”.
In the first place, universal handshakes customarily begin
and end every encounter. The rest is simple: the senior ones
and women (in that order) extend their hand first, and the
arrival reaches to those already present.
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Politeness in
Poland requires men to open doors for women and generally
let them lead. The same applies to your seniors and guests
of any sex. Yet gents should move to the front whenever
passage seems difficult, e.g. through a crowd. If the
entrance serves also for the exit, those entering a building
or a shop first let out those trying to leave this very
moment.
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Flowers are very
popular with Poles who give them on many occasions, notably
birthday and name-day celebrations, weddings, and visits to
Polish homes.
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Casual wear
befits most social occasions, but dress up for evening
entertainment, dining out, opera, theater. etc.
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It is usual to
say ‘smachnago’
(a Polish equivalent of 'bon appétit') before eating,
and ‘na zdrowie’ (cheers) before drinking.
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Any place save
home and any time save merrymaking is good for talking
business in Krakow. When eating out business is a legitimate
topic before, during and after meal.
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It is important to
take business cards to business meetings and to give a card
to each person present.
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