Etiquette and manners:
Even though mistakes in finnish etiquette and manners COMMITTED by foreigners are usually forgiven. Knowing how to conduct yourself is a great way of blending in and feeling at home.
Comfortable silencesWhen in a closed area with strangers, without any opportunity to escape or avoid the situation. It is inappropriate in Finland to make small talk. Finnish people tend to be more comfortable with long silences than other cultures. |
PHySICAL CONTACT:
Finnish people don't engage in a lot of physical contact when greeting each other, especially if you don't know each other very well. When first meeting, a surprisingly long, firm handshake all while maintaining eye contact is the custom. Once you build up a friendship with a Finnish person hugging can be acceptable, of course it depends on the person in question.
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Speaking your mind:Speaking your mind when you're thinking something negative is not really done in Finland. Especially when in company of strangers, don't make a big scene. If you're unhappy with the person, try to show it in body language and facial expressions without lashing out. But again it depends on the relationship, if you know each other really well it could be possible. |