How acceptable physical contact is in conversation and greeting across cultures.
A friendly touch on the arm is normal in one culture and unwelcome in another. The same warm gesture can build rapport in one setting and cause real discomfort in another.
Follow the lead of the other person and the local custom rather than your own comfort. Let them set the level of contact rather than assuming your own habits are welcome.
Workplace and gender norms further shape touch, so err on the side of restraint. When uncertain, less contact is the safer and more respectful choice.
The differing expectations across cultures about how much eye contact is respectful.
ExploreCultural differences in the comfortable distance people keep during conversation.
ExploreThe way a single gesture can carry opposite meanings in different parts of the world.
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