There's some truth to the stereotype that Canadians are the nicest people in the world. You rarely hear anything bad coming from the country! Sure, it's still a normal nation with different political beliefs, religions, opinions, and such, but you never really hear about it being as dystopic as many other countries are nowadays. It's simply a nice country, full stop! And it probably helps that they follow certain customs and etiquettes that really bring out the good in people. Ones that most, if not all Canadians follow to the tee. Here are a few you should know if you plan on going here soon.
Good Manners
Kissing As A Greeting
Yes, just
like the French, kissing as a form of greeting is common in Canada. After all, a whole region in the country, Quebec, is practically a small slice of France in of itself. Just like the Europeans, Canadians kiss each other once on each cheek. Many men, on the other hand, would chivalrously kiss women on their hands. Pretty old-school, right? But never old-fashioned. Do more, however, that kissing as a greeting is mostly done to people you already know. First introductions would often just include firm handshakes, all while maintaining polite eye contact.
Shaking Hands As A Goodbye
Speaking of handshakes, you probably think that they're mostly given during first introductions or when saying hello, right? For the most part, they are, but Canadians also give handshakes when saying goodbye. It's a more polite and more formal salutation than simply waving your hand. It conveys that you've enjoyed their company and would want to meet each other again soon. And mind you, knowing how nice Canadians are, they'd often give goodbye handshakes to everyone in the room. Yes, even to children. Of course, when doing so, you must maintain eye contact at all times. It's the polite thing to do!
Bringing/Sending Over Wine to Someone's Home
The Canadians might have inherited the
French's love for wine as well. When you're invited to eat over at someone's home, the gift of choice is often a bottle of wine. And don't just get any cheap bottle you see in the nearest grocery store. Your host/ess might even consider that as an insult. Rather, take the time to invest in quality wine that your budget can afford. Also, take into consideration the type or the brand that they prefer. That will really put a smile on your host/ess's face! And if you really can't afford wine? A bouquet of flowers they can display at home will do!
Maintaining Personal Space While Talking
While Canadians, for the most part, are nice and welcoming, they still prefer to maintain their personal space. This means that, when you're talking to someone here, don't get all up in their faces. Probably all people don't want that, but Canadians are especially iffy when you're too close to them. Most, if not all would prefer you to stay within an arm's length. Any closer and they'd feel uncomfortable. And most especially now that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced people to practice social distancing, this is more important than ever. Do your part and keep your distance, no matter how close you are to the person!
Bad Manners
Resting Your Elbows On The Table
Similar to
the Italians, Canadians don't like it when people are resting on their elbows. They see it as a sign of disrespect, conveying that you don't want to be there in the first place. Of course, that may not always be the case. At times, you're just tired or you're thinking about something so intensely, you're no longer aware of what you're doing. But do they know that? Nope! As long as you're resting on your elbow, most especially at the dinner table, you'll be met with angry glares and snobbish snares. And if you're able to merit such a response from Canadians, then you really are doing something wrong!
Leaving Food On Your Plate
Canadians are not ones to waste food. Whether you're in a
coffee shop in Whistler or in a swanky restaurant in Vancouver, you don't waste food in this country. Leaving food on your plate after a meal is one of the biggest faux pas you could ever commit here. For them, doing it can say so much. It can say that you don't care that there are millions of other people in the world dying of hunger. Or that you didn't like the food (a slap in the face to the chef!), hence you didn't eat it as much. And many more!
Pointing At People
Admit it, even you'd find people pointing at you rude. Just don't do it and other people won't do it to you (remember karma!). And rest assured, the people here in Canada won't do it to you! They find it rude and even a little crude. Instead of pointing at people, you're better off just approaching them yourself. It may take the extra effort, but it's worth not offending the 'nicest people on Earth.' Just put yourself in that person's position! How would you feel if someone pointed their finger at you? Confused? Singled out? Embarrassed? Well, Canadians will feel the same!
Discussing Sex In Public
Though Canada has become more liberated and progressive over the years, the country still considers sex talk quite a taboo. At least, in public that is. Talking about sex is normal, most especially for young adults whore just growing into their bodies, starting to feel things in different places, and would want to explore their own sexualities as well. But discussing it openly and so brazenly in public is a big no-no! Such open conversations would still shock a lot of Canadians to this day. Evidently, Canada is far from New York City, where Carrie Bradshaw can openly talk about sex with her girlfriends.
If you're going to Canada, the least you can do is to act and behave appropriately. And this entails abiding by what they consider as good and bad manners. Canada is known as the 'nicest country on Earth!' Do you really want to offend the people here?
What will be good for you in Canada is to get yourself a
luxury rental to live in! That's the way to go here!
