Social+Etiquette

=Male/Female Etiquette=

Mixing between genders only takes places within families. In professional situations such as at businesses or universities, males and females may be co-workers, but are cautious to maintain each other's honor. If a man speaks to a woman directly in a social context, he is dishonouring you. If someone speaks to you on the street, that is equally inappropriate. woman should avoid looking men in the eyes, and keep their eyes lowered when they walk down the street to maintain their reputation as a proper woman. Women must always dress properly to avoid unwanted attention. Always wear loose fitting pants under your skirts and be sure the definition of their legs is undistinguishable. It is also strongly advisable to wear a headscarf in public. On the other hand foreign men should note that it is inappropriate to initiate social conversation with a woman, and one should not ask a male about his wife or female relatives. Men and women should never be alone in the same room. If this happens you should ensure a door is left open. Men and women should never touch one another under any circumstances. [|That Picture] =Gift Giving Etiquette=

First rule of gift giving is to never give alcohol, unless you know from first hand experience that the receiver drinks you may do so but covertly to avoid shame. The first time you go to someone's house for tea, it is appropriate to bring a small gift. If you are invited to lunch or dinner, bring fruit, sweets or pastries. Make sure the box is wrapped nicely. When bringing a gift be subtle in how it is given. Do not immediately give the present but rather discreetly place it near the door or where you sit down.

[|Gift]

Dining Etiquette
Always remove your shoes at the door if visiting a home.If eating at someone's home, you will be seated on the floor, usually on cushions. Food is served on plastic or vinyl tablecloths spread on the floor. Wait to be shown where to sit.If you can, sit cross-legged. Otherwise sit as comfortably as you can. Do not sit with legs outstretched and your feet facing people. Food is generally served communally and everyone will share from the same dish. Do not eat with the left hand. Always pass and receive things using your right hand too. Food is eaten with the hands. It will be a case of watch and learn. Food is usually scooped up into a ball at the tip of the fingers, then eaten. Leave food on your plate otherwise it will keep getting filled up again.

[|Yummy]

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Heres a video that shows some afghan food and other cool stuff about afghanistan.