Differing cultural rules about when and how much it is appropriate to smile.
In some cultures frequent smiling at strangers is warm, while in others it seems insincere. A ready smile that charms one audience can strike another as shallow or forced.
Read smiling against local convention rather than assuming a fixed meaning everywhere. Ask whether smiling at strangers is usual before reading a reserved face as unfriendly.
A reserved manner does not always mean coldness, so avoid hasty judgements. People from less smiling cultures may be perfectly warm beneath a serious face.
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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