Article:How to be a better guest (0)

How to be a better guest
There is something about Estonians
As there has been a big increase in the number of people applying for study exchanges to Estonia, it is good to know some rules , habits and social life about Estonians.
Being first time with new family you should know, that keeping a low profile is a half success . As the Estonians are uncommunicative people, the first look matters also a lot. But sometimes Estonians like open people too, who talk a lot, because we like to hear a lot but not talk much about ourselves.
Secondly the Estonians do not hug and kiss on their first meetings. It is common in relationship or friendship but not in the first meeting. Shaking hands or just saying ‘’Tere’’, which means hello, would be appropriate. Of course when they get to know you more and take you as a one of them , then there will be a variety of different greetings. But first stay on ‘’Tere’’ because it shows respect and is formal , which Estonians like a lot.
When the eating time comes , you should definitely eat with family, around the table. Estonians do not usually say grace , it is just polite not to start eating before than everyone else. We usually talk a little when eating. When you do not like the food you are offered, it would be polite to eat as much as you can or eat something else then.
If family has some plans about going out and they ask you to join you should definitely go and socialize. All in all I would say that if you act calmly and politely you will be treated like one of us.