Social Interaction (Small But Important Things)

ARRIVAL TIME

It is the custom to appear on time for social engagements. For example, if you are invited to dinner at 7:00 p.m. and are not there by 7:15 p.m., your hosts may worry that you have lost your way and they may even become upset because of your absence. Call ahead if you will be more than 15 minutes late. You are expected to arrive promptly for appointments such as a doctor's or university appointment. Equally important is being ready to leave at the appointed time when someone has arranged to drive you somewhere.

HANDSHAKING

In this country, when men are introduced they usually shake hands. In general, a man shakes hands with a woman only when she extends her hand first.

HYGIENE

Often it seems to international visitors that Canadians seem to focus attention on fitness and cleanliness. It is common for both men and women to shower daily. Although strong colognes are considered inappropriate, mild deodorants or mild colognes are used by almost everyone.

INFORMAL SOCIAL VISITS

Most Canadians and international students enjoy a casual type of hospitality which encourages friends to "drop by for a visit" from time to time. It is appreciated if you telephone in advance to be sure it is a convenient time for a visit.

NIGHT CLUBS, COCKTAIL LOUNGES, BARS, DISCOTHEQUES AND COFFEE HOUSES

They provide a variety of musical entertainment, food, drink and sometimes dancing. In order to legally enter an establishment serving liquor, you might be asked for identification that proves you are over the drinking age of 19 years old. A word about liquor: The legal and minimum age of purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 19 years. Liquor may be consumed in private residences, in licensed dining rooms, lounges and in specially licensed halls. It may not be consumed in cars, outdoors, at picnics nor at sporting events.

PERSONAL STANDARDS

One does well to note what current customs are but it is important to keep one's own standard of values. For instance, if religion or personal training prevents a student from eating certain foods or from drinking alcoholic beverages, he/she should not be embarrassed to explain that to the host/hostess.

TIPPING

Tips are supposedly a reward for good service. However, some hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in Canada do not include a service charge in their bills and therefore tipping is a common practice. Waiters, waitresses, taxi drivers, hairdressers and others, expect a tip of approximately 10 to 15% of the total bill. You may wish to ask a friend if you are unsure of how much to tip.

USING FIRST NAMES

In Canada, first names are more commonly used than in many other countries. There are a few simple rules that govern etiquette in this area:

DATING

Customs with regard to dating (or going out with and developing an intimate relationship with someone, usually but not always, of the opposite sex), vary widely. It is hard to generalize about dating in Canada, because different regions and different ethnic and religious groups have their own customs. Individuals, both women and men, have the right to set their own limits. Someone who agrees to go on a date with you is not saying yes to having sex with you. Everyone has the right to say no.

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