Switching Gears: Let’s Talk Social Etiquette

When I first moved to India, I didn’t receive any formal intercultural training. My focus was on the big differences—the climate, the food, the work environment. The smaller, everyday etiquette nuances? Those weren’t on my radar.

One day, someone pointed out to me that blowing my nose in public wasn’t considered “good manners” in India. It surprised me. In Germany, it’s normal, you do it when you need to, no second thoughts. But here, I realized it’s often seen as unpleasant or even inconsiderate.

Thinking about it, this aligns with India’s collective mindset: better to keep germs to yourself than to release them into shared spaces. It’s a small but telling example of how social norms reflect cultural values. Many people here will wait until they are alone or in a restroom to do something as simple as blowing their nose.

In my next post, I’ll share how this same gesture is often perceived in Europe. But for now, I’d love to hear from you—have you ever encountered an unexpected etiquette difference while traveling or living in another culture? Share your stories!