"Manners are the cheerful ways of doing things," Ralph Waldo Emerson once said. What are some of Poland's happiest methods of doing things? Is there a big difference between them and the ones you're used to in your country? Learn more about the unwritten standards of conduct in Poland.

It's known in Poland as savoir-vivre (French for "living knowledge"), kindersztuba (German for "Kinderstube"), or simply dobre maniery ("good manners"). It is a culture-specific code of behaviour that we are raised with, and it is more than just how we dress or use cutlery. Some etiquette norms come so naturally to us that we don't give them any thought on a daily basis. Take a look at the following social rules that you will most likely encounter in Poland:

1. When travelling on public transport, you are expected to give up your seat to any elderly, pregnant, disabled or injured passengers if they have nowhere to sit.
2. If you happen to stand in the doorway of a packed vehicle, step out of it for a moment when it stops, to let other passengers exit.
3. A lot of Poles consider it tactless to keep one's hands in pockets while holding a conversation or giving a speech. It is best to avoid this gesture in more formal business situations.
4. A handshake is the safest and most universal form of greeting, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time. Although much has been written about the Polish chivalry and the traditional hand-kissing gesture, you had better not try to impress a Polish lady by placing a kiss on her hand. Despite what you might read on the internet, the gesture is now seen as rather old-fashioned and awkward by younger generations.
5. In some parts of Poland (especially in Warsaw) it is quite popular to say dzień dobry (hello) and dziękuję (thank you) when getting in and out of a lift. However, some Poles find this practice rather funny and odd. If someone thanks you for riding a lift with them, you can respond with dziękuję.
6. It is still very common for Polish men to help a woman put on her coat or jacket - it is a question of manners, not romantic interest.
7. Poles are very mindful of a certain door etiquette, which is seen as politeness or common courtesy rather than chivalry. Holding doors open for others is treated as a natural act of kindness. While it is true that Polish men always let women pass through a doorway first, it is also common to let a person of the same gender or an elderly walk in front of you. When in doubt, just be considerate of others and you will never err!