You may be effusive in your style, wanting to put your arm around your
friend and give her a big hug when you see her. This behaviour is great in
Latin countries, and acceptable in China, too. However, unless you want to
embarrass your Norwegian buddy, a polite hello suffices. You’re not being
unfriendly, simply respecting the norms of the country and making your
friend feel good. And isn’t that what acting in a friendly manner is all about?Acting in a friendly way means that you conform to the traditions of the other
person’s culture, respect her traditions, and consider how your behaviour
may be perceived in a culture very different from yours.256 Part IV: Putting the Body into Social and Business Context