In addition to social etiquette, there is also psychological etiquette. It is this that will dictate the rules of behavior, informs Ukr.Media.
Everyone loves gifts.
If you are invited to a birthday, New Year's Eve, or other important holiday, you should definitely bring a gift. But in our traditions, it is not customary to come to a guest empty-handed, so for any visit, bring something nice for the hosts: a cake, a bouquet for the hostess, a small toy for the child.
Praise is almost non-existent
We praise the hosts and give them compliments, note the beautiful serving and the wonderful taste of the dishes. Hypocrisy is easily noticeable and annoying, so be sincere. There is something beautiful, attractive in any person, in any home – note it.
Don't let go of your hands.
In what cases do you involuntarily behave like an invader and cause irritation? When you lean on door frames, occupy the owner's or hostess's favorite place, touch objects on shelves, pick up framed photos, pet cats and dogs without permission. It seems like nothing special is happening, and the owners themselves do not understand why they feel unpleasant anxiety, but the answer lies in human psychology – you have encroached on someone else's territory.
Guests are allowed to stay where they are invited, to touch what is offered to them. The rest can only be discussed. As a last resort, ask permission – where is the best place to sit, whether it is possible to pet the dog, take a book from the shelf.
We ask questions
Guests are not just a feast. Show interest in the personality of the hosts – their hobbies, preferences. If a person has a hobby, ask questions – how they do this or that, how much time it takes to make embroidery, a model airplane, a Christmas tree ornament. The host's face will light up. Listen to what he/she is saying, be sincerely impressed – you may not know how, but he/she can. The key to a person's heart is in your hand.
If there is no hobby, there will probably be magnets on the fridge, paintings on the walls. We remember that we don't touch anything with our hands – we look, we are interested, and we express admiration.
Flowers of life
This is sacred. And the flowers are not only the children themselves, but also pets, including turtles and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
No one expects you to rush to the “junior class” with hugs, but they definitely expect a show of affection. And you need to show it. It's easier with children – first you need to introduce yourself to them (“My name is Aunt Maria, what's your name?”). After that, a gift is given. If the child is sitting at the adult table, periodically turn to them. You can also show a magic trick – the children are delighted with this, and you should have at least one interesting trick ready. After such unexpected magic, the child will definitely remember you and look forward to the next meeting. By the way, don't forget to prepare another magic trick for the second visit – don't disappoint the children.
It is not necessary to maintain long-term contact with pets. A tender look and a few compliments aimed at the ears of the owners are enough. Fish can be beautiful, a turtle is interesting in its diet – “did you know that they like dandelions? My turtle ate them with pleasure.” Exotic animals and other creatures (iguanas, snakes, huge cockroaches) will be enough of an enthusiastic “and how are you not afraid of them? I take my hat off to you.”
If you are afraid of certain animals that you have encountered in your apartment, ask the owners not to let them out of the closed room. There is nothing shameful or indecent about this. People who respect you will be understanding of the request, and those who do not respect you are not needed. Sometimes your own mental health is more important than preserving the relationship.
We love those who are like us.
When communicating, look for something that brings you closer to your hosts. Maybe it's a love of classical literature, travel, or some kind of sport. You can always have a long discussion about topics that are of interest to both parties. Maybe you once vacationed in the same place, or your children are learning French, or in the spring both families' windowsills are covered with seedlings. There will always be moments that bring you together – you just have to try to touch on different topics, finding the right one, or carefully look around. Ideally, the interest should unite everyone present.
From the above, another rule follows – do not stand out too much. For example, in the host family, it is not customary to use knives at the table. For you, this is wild. What to do? Do nothing. Eat without a knife with a calm appearance. Did you pour too strong tea? Take a couple of sips. When the relationship becomes closer and the visits become more frequent, you can ask to pour less strong tea. People can be from different social classes, from childhood they adopt the habits of their parents, who are infinitely far from worldliness.
Psychological etiquette recommends not insisting on social difference and not showing your superiority by demanding the right glasses and mocha spoons for coffee.
To leave to return
It is a delicate matter to release people from your presence in time. Usually, after dessert and tea, guests say that they have time, and the hosts ask to stay. The guests agree to stay a little longer. This “a little” should not be delayed. Go home before you get bored.
If you are the one initiating new topics, and the hosts pause in the conversation and talk less, it's time for you. It's even better not to wait for this to happen.
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Should you adapt to all your owners' habits, even the uncomfortable ones, or is it better to behave naturally?
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😇 The comfort of the hosts is sacred 😎 I remain myself 🤝 I am looking for a happy medium
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😇 The comfort of the hosts is 100% sacred 😎 I remain myself 0% 🤝 I am looking for a happy medium 0%
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Bearded Pike 😇 Comfort of hosts is sacred 02/18/2026 11:40 Usually, we are invited to visit, or we invite, a very small circle of people – only the closest ones. And often, it is during visits that “markers” become visible by which a person may seem unpleasant or uninteresting. So yes, it is worth following this so as not to narrow this “close circle” of yours to the size of the camera aperture 💯 1 + Reply