Formal meetings are always tricky in any culture, specially if this culture is alien to you
Ok, let me list some basic rules in Spain:
SalutationsThe formal way of saluting someone in Spain is to offer you hand for shake, no matter you are saluting a woman or a man. The casual way is to kiss him/her in both of his/her cheeks. In this case I would suggest the formal way (in the doubt it is better to be more formal, you can always switch to the casual way if needed without embarrasing situations). Just offer your hand and say "encantado" (please to meet you) or "encantada" (if you are a woman).
It would be a good idea to thank your host for the invitation. Something like "muchas gracias por la invitación" would be ok.
ChatteringSpecially at first if you haven't met your hosts before, it is normal to talk about anything in particular. Weather, your trip to Spain, spanish food, the place you were born,... There are always questions that will arise at some moment (fortunately they are easy to answer
):
"Oh, are you enjoying your trip to Spain?"
"Do you like spanish food?"
"What do you like the most about Spain?"
...
Spaniards are proud of their country (much more in front of a foreigner) but fortunately are very easy to content
Just answer with a forced smile and the most emphatic of your voice tones: "Oooohhhh yes, I love the food, I love the weather, the people and this God's blessed country!!!"
Easy way to keep them happy hehehe.
Dinner customsWait to be seated. A formal dinner will consist of some appetizers, two courses, a dessert and coffee
If you feel you aren't able to eat everything ask to be served just a little bit "un poquito". You will be served more than you want hehehe, but less than you were going to be served (ask your boyfriend for help on this matter).
Even if you don't like the food eat part of it. It doesn't matter if you leave some food in the plate, you can excuse yourself saying that it is much more food quantity of what you are used to. But taste it and say that it is good (if you didn't like it) or that is wonderful and excellent (if you liked it
).
Avoid making noises with the food (as with the soup). Your hands on the table at any moment. Don't speak with your mouth plenty of food. Prepared to be interrupted at any time if you are speaking (normal conversations are usually louder than in anglesaxon countries). Eat with your mouth closed.
You will find a napkin on the table. It is expected for you to take it just after sitting down and placing it on you thighs.
When you are done with one course, place the knife and the fork together on the plate.
Do never place your elbows on the table unless you are talking (never while eating).
Remember that if you are served bread, it is the one on your left which is yours. The glass of water and/or wine is on your right.
Start using the forks, knifes and spoon from outside to inside.
And of course, after the dinner don't forget to say how wonderful the food was and how incredible the cooker's skills are
No matter how awful the food was hehehe.
Are these rules similar in other countries? Or are them rare for you? I'm very curious...
Fernando