Poland lies in Europe surrounded by neighbour countries such as German, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia. All these states have similar traditions and some customs.
Polish people are thought to be unhappy and unfriendly. What is more, often we are impolite: we forget about saying "Hello!", when we enter a shop. We rarely smile and often are too busy and sad. Some of us are very jealous. If someone buys a new car, we often curse them. We are used to complain about everything and everyone. Even if we achieve something better, we aren't completly satisfied. Moreover, we are very lazy. Because we have to work hard, we don't have strength to do something after work. We just sit and watch TV or go bed. It is said that Polish teenagers have no hobbies and interests. They are also too lazy and tired.
However, Polish nation have a lot of vices, there are also some polite customs which remain till today. Polish men often kiss women on her hand when they are greeting. It is a very polite custom, some young boys don't approve it, but in my opinion, men show the respect for women. It is a very formal greeting.
Young people are used to say "Hello!" to each other. Men often shake hands, which isn't so popular among women. Handshake is the sign of liking and concord.
If we greet with a family member, we are used to mother in both checks or just embrace each other. When we see an older person or our teachers, we should bow and say "Good morning!". It is a very polite custom and in this way we show the respect for that person. Unfortunately, some Polish young people forget about it very often.
In other cultures there are different ways to greet someone. Among Inuit in Canada there is the custom of rubbing noses. It is very funny and nice. In Polynesia, on the other hand, there is the custom of stroking face, when they greet each other. When they meet a friend, they take his/her hands and they stroke their own faces. They are considered as very polite gestures. In Tibet there is a custom of sticking their tongues out at someone and this gesture means that you don't have any evil thoughts.
Every culture is different, so we can't compare them. However I still think that Polish nation is too rude and impolite. We should try to change this sad image…
