Meeting the parents

[Peggy_in_Burien]

Sorry for being picky and maybe it is because I come from a different culture. I agree that the young man should stand up upon an elder entering the room but I really disagree that he should greet them with a handshake. The senior person should be the one to offer the handshake.

I am a Spaniard, if that helps any, and we were taught that the young man should act like a man, and not a boy with his hands in his pockets. My son always extends his hand to the girl’s father first, to show his respect, and they always tell me how impressed they are with his manners.

But each culture does things a little differently, and I think the respect is what is most important, even if the handshaking, or whatever it is, differs from one culture to another.

 

[Cristiano]

I am a Spaniard, if that helps any, and we were taught that the young man should act like a man, and not a boy with his hands in his pockets. My son always extends his hand to the girl’s father first, to show his respect, and they always tell me how impressed they are with his manners.

But each culture does things a little differently, and I think the respect is what is most important, even if the handshaking, or whatever it is, differs from one culture to another.

Probably I am just really old old school (e.g. antiquity).

Waiting till the senior initiates the handshake is one of the primary business etiquette. In a social setting, it is supposed to be ideal for a man to wait till the woman offers her hand. But, women do not mind all the same, if a man initiates a handshake nowadays.

 

[styrgwillidar]

A little late to the game but, as others have said be polite, be presentable, be yourself. (the way you dress and groom yourself send a message about yourself, and how important you believe the meeting is). In my culture, look me in the eye when we’re talking, a firm handshake when we meet.

A few more things in the modern age.

• Put the cellphone away. No taking calls, no texting (unless you really do have a critical business deal underway, or a relative on their deathbed.) In that case, phone on vibrate and don’t answer it unless it’s critically important. If you absolutely have to get on the phone apologize profusely and keep the call short.
• Have your explanations ready for whatever my background check on you may have uncovered. Arrest record, pictures or comments on any of your social networking accounts- facebook, myspace, tumbler etc.

 

[Cristiano]

…In my culture, look me in the eye when we’re talking…