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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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