i would to know about australian ’s custom, let say what they have to do before meal , what they will say when they first meet , what they don’t like other people to do during some condition, such as having meal. hope can reply me as soon as possible , thank u - Steve, location unknown

Well now, let me see. I suppose I could try and answer these questions by telling you what I’ve done in these situations recently.

Before a meal, I will generally place my order with the waiter or waitress. Obviously this isn’t the case if I’m not eating out - this may involve some kind of food preparation, either in a lead or assisting role. I will also ensure that my hands are clean before commencing food preparation or consumption. Some people may say a short prayer such as Grace, but this doesn’t seem to be very common nowadays, at least among atheist heathens like me.

I didn’t meet anybody for the first time today, that I can think of. But as I recall on previous occasions, I generally shake hands, and sometimes offer a word of greeting such as “Hello” or “How are you” or “G’day” (no matter how Aussie-clichéd it may sound).

As for what I don’t like other people to do during a meal…ummm… well, picking your nose would probably be a no-no. Standing on the table. Spitting. Smearing food on the carpet. Gurgling your drink. Breaking the crockery. That kind of thing.

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