When we come to spend time in new countries, maybe
even live there for a short or long while, it’s only natural to be curious
about their peoples’ customs and behaviors.
In fact, as we move about the world, we find differences and
commonalities between cultures. For
example, Mexico is a very “feeling” oriented society. During my more than 20
years here, I’ve come to really appreciate the “warm” and friendly behavior I
see every day.
When you live with a Mexican family, no matter if
you are related to them or not, common everyday courtesy is important. For example:
-Family
members and the people living with them take time to greet each other by
shaking hands and giving each other a small hug. There’s also a kiss on the cheek between
females as well as between males and females.
Accompanying these exchanges are spoken salutations like “good morning”,
“good afternoon”, “good evening”. Such behaviors
must be genuine because fakery is sensed immediately. Family members, however, do give newcomers
time to adjust.
-When
you’re at the table or just talking with others at home and you need to leave
for a moment or two, take time to excuse yourself; for instance, by saying, “Con
permiso.” which means “excuse me”.
-When
you close a door, take care to shut it quietly; otherwise, people will think
you are angry.
-Before
you depart the home in route to work, school, or anywhere else, take time to “take
your leave” from the family. This may
mean that you need to go to the kitchen to say “good-bye” to the principal
people in the home, and you’ll also need to tell them where you’re going. Do this even if it’s only the housekeeper,
maid, or servant who is at home. This courtesy is part of family security, and
they want that for you too. Everyday
good-byes are also accompanied by appropriate handshakes, hugs, and small
kisses.
-When
you arrive home after work, school, or being anywhere for a recognized period
of absence, it’s customary to greet the people you find there. Again, it’s handshakes, hugs and small kisses
accompanied by verbal salutations, genuine, of course.
-When
meeting people who come to the home for the first time, greetings are usually
conducted with the omission of the kiss on the cheek and the hug. If, however, you see your hosts doing it,
notice that it is being conducted with sincerity.
-When
you’re out and you find you are going to be away from the family for more than
what is planned, then take time to call them, or you might find them waiting at
the door for you when you return. They’ll
be concerned about you, and rightly so!
This is part of family security.
Everyday courtesies are also significant when you’re
out in the Mexican public. For example:
-When
you see people you know, greet them appropriately by shaking hands and exchanging
kisses on the cheek, even if you’ve only just seen them the day before. Remember, this is a feelings based society.
-When
you see people from a distance that you know, give them a small wave.
-When
you close a car door, do it without making any more noise than is
necessary. The typical American way of
closing car doors, which is to shut them a little hard, makes people wonder if
you’re angry. Taxi drivers and others
take offense.
-Open
doors for others, people appreciate it.
-Let
others go first when going into and out of doorways.
-Be
kind and courteous to people working in stores and restaurants as well as the
police directing traffic.
-When
you speak to others, use a firm and peaceful tone of voice.
-When
you’re having trouble explaining what you want, don’t be surprised or
embarrassed if the Mexican people around you try to help out. Ask for assistance if you feel you need
it. This country is fast becoming
bilingual, and the average citizen usually feels compelled to help if he or she
sees someone having a bit of difficulty.
Always remember to thank them when they assist—you’ll make their day a
happy one!
-Remember
to tip, especially in restaurants that you frequent—waiters and waitresses
remember that. Moreover, they are an
excellent resource for information.
-Also,
remember to tip your barber or hair stylist when they do a great job. They’ll appreciate you and do even better the
next time you come.
Yes, I’ve come to appreciate the above rules of
etiquette. They are but a small part of
what I observe in my Mexican family and public on a daily basis. Every six months when I go to the United
States with my wife, I miss the warmth I receive from the people here in my
rural Mexican community, so it’s always good to return home. For me, the average Mexican family has a lot
to show others in the world in behalf of human kindness and interaction. We should pay attention.