Which country in the world has the most polite people?

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I recently met a person with whom I had a very disturbing conversation with. I say disturbing because she has got to be the most rude, sarcastic and heartless person in the whole universe. The kind of people who spoil your day. I decided not to give details of the conversation. Writing it down even spoils my day.

So that person got me wondering if there is any society in the world which can be termed as the most polite in terms of their cultural upbringing and societal values.
  • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
    Originally Posted by Nyakibia View Post

    I recently met a person with whom I had a very disturbing conversation with. I say disturbing because she has got to be the most rude, sarcastic and heartless person in the whole universe. The kind of people who spoil your day. I decided not to give details of the conversation. Writing it down even spoils my day.

    So that person got me wondering if there is any society in the world which can be termed as the most polite in terms of their cultural upbringing and societal values.
    I think as a stereotype, the British have long held the "trophy" for this.

    Myself being British and still living here, however, I can safely say that it is only a stereotype, and not truly reflective of how things really are. We have a lot of ignorant, abrupt and downright awful people here.

    Though it's the same everywhere, isn't it? Some people are polite, jovial, bubbly types, and some people are constantly agitated, short-strawed, and intolerant of others, and treat them like dirt.

    Funnily enough, I'm an extreme introvert, yet despite the fact I like to spend way over 80% of my time alone, I still cannot imagine being rude, dismissive or ignorant to people without very good reason (and it'd only ever be the individual(s) who were responsible for evoking those feelings of negativity within me who'd have to witness that).
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  • Profile picture of the author allisonays
    Polite people, well I have tried visiting Philippines and it is true that these people are really hospitable and very accommodating.
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    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
      Originally Posted by allisonays View Post

      Polite people, well I have tried visiting Philippines and it is true that these people are really hospitable and very accommodating.



      Are they being polite because you're a tourist??

      This goes for all places that are visited by lots of tourists.

      Maybe a question asking the opposite would be easier to answer.



      TL
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        I've found plenty of polite people just traveling the east coast of the US.
        I traveled to Fl. once with a friend and his family in a very old school bus and an equally as old van. The 20 hour trip took us a little over 2 months.
        No matter where the bus broke down, there where plenty of people willing to help us out. At that time (and still for me) we looked like the people your parents warn you about.
        We had people let us borrow tools, some brought us meals. The bus sucked a valve in Nelsonia Va. and we had to stop at a feed store on a Sunday night.
        The next morning we talked to the owners and they said we could stay till it was fixed. Later that day they brought out a big tool box on wheels for us to use. The guy that owned the garage across the street found a valve that was in a bus sitting in a cow pasture 50 miles away. He not only drove there to take it out, but also redid the head on our motor and got us running again. All he wanted was money for the gas he used.
        I could write a book on the friendly and polite people we met on that trip.
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        • Profile picture of the author seasoned
          Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

          I've found plenty of polite people just traveling the east coast of the US.
          I traveled to Fl. once with a friend and his family in a very old school bus and an equally as old van. The 20 hour trip took us a little over 2 months.
          No matter where the bus broke down, there where plenty of people willing to help us out. At that time (and still for me) we looked like the people your parents warn you about.
          We had people let us borrow tools, some brought us meals. The bus sucked a valve in Nelsonia Va. and we had to stop at a feed store on a Sunday night.
          The next morning we talked to the owners and they said we could stay till it was fixed. Later that day they brought out a big tool box on wheels for us to use. The guy that owned the garage across the street found a valve that was in a bus sitting in a cow pasture 50 miles away. He not only drove there to take it out, but also redid the head on our motor and got us running again. All he wanted was money for the gas he used.
          I could write a book on the friendly and polite people we met on that trip.
          Yeah, one truism about the US is that the stereotypes aren't always right, no matter WHAT they are. Of course, the same is true of europe and perhaps any other big place, etc... Some people here are TOO polite, and others would rather slam the door in your face than tell you the time of day.

          Steve
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          • Profile picture of the author ThomM
            Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

            Yeah, one truism about the US is that the stereotypes aren't always right, no matter WHAT they are. Of course, the same is true of europe and perhaps any other big place, etc... Some people here are TOO polite, and others would rather slam the door in your face than tell you the time of day.

            Steve
            Very true.
            I can't speak about Europe as I've never been there.
            I have meet some Europeans and as expected didn't find them any different then Americans I've met.
            It was back in the 70's when I first started traveling south.
            At that time, here in NY it was thought that southerner's where stupid redneck's who hated northerner's, and I found that many southerner's thought New Yorker's where loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
            It was nice to see we where both wrong. Well at least I was wrong, I still think most New Yorkers are loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
            Of course I've only lived in New York for most of my 57 years
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            • Profile picture of the author seasoned
              Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

              Very true.
              I can't speak about Europe as I've never been there.
              I have meet some Europeans and as expected didn't find them any different then Americans I've met.
              It was back in the 70's when I first started traveling south.
              At that time, here in NY it was thought that southerner's where stupid redneck's who hated northerner's, and I found that many southerner's thought New Yorker's where loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
              It was nice to see we where both wrong. Well at least I was wrong, I still think most New Yorkers are loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
              Of course I've only lived in New York for most of my 57 years
              Yeah, I've met newyorkers and southerners that FIT that stereotype, and went AGAINST it. Except I don't know if I ever met a stupid redneck southerner PERSONALLY. You can't always trust TV. Some people act smart and aren't, and vice/versa.

              BUT, as I said, newyork looks like one of the best and one of the worst states. I was SHOCKED to find that parts of detroit michigan are HIGH class, and EXPENSIVE! Of course, other parts are crime-ridden and low class.

              Almost like California. It can be the hottest and close to the coldest state at the SAME TIME, even in PALM SPRINGS! FLAT and mountainous, etc... And the people may sound JUST like moon zappa in valley girl, or sean penn playing Jeff Spicoli, or just normal with what some call a "midwest accent"! Frankly, I think most native californians speak with a normal accent, which is how I speak.

              Steve
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            • Profile picture of the author abednego
              Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

              Very true.
              I can't speak about Europe as I've never been there.
              I have meet some Europeans and as expected didn't find them any different then Americans I've met.
              It was back in the 70's when I first started traveling south.
              At that time, here in NY it was thought that southerner's where stupid redneck's who hated northerner's, and I found that many southerner's thought New Yorker's where loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
              It was nice to see we where both wrong. Well at least I was wrong, I still think most New Yorkers are loud, arrogant, rude, aholes.
              Of course I've only lived in New York for most of my 57 years
              Its funny you should say that.

              All my life, people have always asked me... "Are you from New York??" - I finally started asking why... and the response I get? ... "Because you're a jerk!!"

              So I've had this negative stereotype about people from the north... and was shocked when I finally visited NYC. The people there were very polite & honest. I think the only difference... is that they'll tell it how it is.

              When it comes to partying, no one knows how to party harder than a southerner guy... and when it comes to dating, city girls have the best attitudes.

              I've also been to many parts of Europe, Africa, the Middle East... and was pleasantly surprised how polite most people were. Only issue was probably in France... but I have not spent enough time there to make an accurate judgment.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

        Are they being polite because you're a tourist??

        This goes for all places that are visited by lots of tourists.

        Maybe a question asking the opposite would be easier to answer.



        TL
        Good point! Jamaica tries to sound good and polite, but I heard several people that vacationed there say it was anything BUT! And some that know about hawaii say that the natives still aren't generally happy with others, although I guess they don't let visitors know.

        Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Direstraits,

    There are a LOT of stereotypes about the british. Older ones were rude, obnoxious, arrogant, and conceited. Much like the british in "the patriot"(movie). So YEAH! There is a BIG difference between "the patriot" and the british bicycler in "european vacation". European Vacation (1985) - Plot Summary

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    As an ex-Las Vegas cab driver that's served people from all over, IMO the Japanese are the most polite culture. Hawaiians are the best tippers.
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    • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      As an ex-Las Vegas cab driver that's served people from all over, IMO the Japanese are the most polite culture. Hawaiians are the best tippers.
      I think one of the reasons the Japanese are so polite is because of the dense population of their society.

      Just think, if rules were not developed what would happen to people living in a seriously overcrowded society.


      As for the folks of the 50th state,

      When we went there in 2008, we were amazed by the comments of many tour bus drivers as they railed against the coming of outsiders who took their kingdom away from them.

      But they were quite enthused that one of their own had a good chance to become POTUS.

      I have nothing bad to say about the folks from the 50th state.


      TL
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by TLTheLiberator View Post

        I think one of the reasons the Japanese are so polite is because of the dense population of their society.

        Just think, if rules were not developed what would happen to people living in a seriously overcrowded society.


        As for the folks of the 50th state,

        When we went there in 2008, we were amazed by the comments of many tour bus drivers as they railed against the coming of outsiders who took their kingdom away from them.

        But they were quite enthused that one of their own had a good chance to become POTUS.

        I have nothing bad to say about the folks from the 50th state.


        TL
        I wasn't saying anything bad about the 50th state either. If anything, it was against the mainland which kind of helped overthrow the monarchy. But obama WAS more of an outsider than "one of them". HEY, I am too, so that wasn't a statement against obama. I think a lot of americans might actually consider it kind of neat to have a native hawaiian as potus, but why would the person want all that hassle, etc?

        And from what I have heard, the japanese have a STRICT social society and generally DON'T like foreigners. So they will probably seem polite, but maybe a bit distant in some things.

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
          Originally Posted by seasoned View Post

          I wasn't saying anything bad about the 50th state either. If anything, it was against the mainland which kind of helped overthrow the monarchy. But obama WAS more of an outsider than "one of them". HEY, I am too, so that wasn't a statement against obama. I think a lot of americans might actually consider it kind of neat to have a native hawaiian as potus, but why would the person want all that hassle, etc?

          And from what I have heard, the japanese have a STRICT social society and generally DON'T like foreigners. So they will probably seem polite, but maybe a bit distant in some things.

          Steve
          I was responding to Kurt's post not yours.

          I never said you said anything against the people of the 50th state.

          Obama was born in the 50th state plain and simple so they get to claim a POTUS and the overwhelming majority of them are very, very proud of it - no matter if he is a so-called native Hawaiian or not.

          There's something about being born in a certain place that unites and bonds people as in he's one of us cause he was born here etc.

          The people of Illinois can also claim him since he established a family, home and political career there.

          Dude won 65% of the popular vote for POTUS in the land of Lincoln.

          Dude won 72% of the popular vote for POTUS in the 50th state.

          I remember the look in their eyes, the smiles, the hopeful words, when we brought up Obama and his chances of becoming POTUS in June or July of 2008.

          We brought it up at least 10 times and they all love it every single time.


          You said...

          I think a lot of americans might actually consider it kind of neat to have a native hawaiian as potus, but why would the person want all that hassle, etc?

          I say...

          Not sure how to respond to that so I'll leave it be.
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      As an ex-Las Vegas cab driver that's served people from all over, IMO the Japanese are the most polite culture. Hawaiians are the best tippers.
      That's because you saw them with their tourist face on. When I lived in Japan I saw some downright nasty things...

      I'll give my vote to the people in Toronto, Canada as being #1. It was a long time ago I was there, and things might have changed, but the memory still lingers about their behaviour. And I'm just talking about the city, not the country.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kurt
        Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

        That's because you saw them with their tourist face on. When I lived in Japan I saw some downright nasty things...
        Yep, I based my opinion on my own experiences. So did you.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
          Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

          Yep, I based my opinion on my own experiences. So did you.
          What? Never been to Toronto?


          edit: Kurt, I wasn't discounting your opinion, my apologies if it came off that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author KenThompson
    Most polite country?

    Minnesota, apparently.


    Ken
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    You mean Americans aren't the most polite?:rolleyes:

    I've been in several European countries and find the people there not much different than here. They expect the visitor to have some manners and if we don't, they don't show any themselves.

    Kurt - I found the people in Toronto exceptionally friendly, too. The only places I've been in Canada were Montreal, Toronto, and the stretch that runs between MI and NY. I've never had a problem with anyone being rude to me in any of those places. A few weren't the nicest, but it was me that really had the apology obligations those times.

    I think anywhere you go, people will be rude or polite according to how they see your actions. If you're the type that walks into a foreign country with your first demands being "Do you speak English" you'll find yourself getting off on the wrong foot every time. If you've taken time to learn at least a greeting and a few remedial words or phrases of the language the culture speaks, you'll find that even if you slaughter their language, they will appreciate your attempt to be polite yourself and will treat you as a welcomed guest instead of an intruder.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      You mean Americans aren't the most polite?:rolleyes:

      I've been in several European countries and find the people there not much different than here. They expect the visitor to have some manners and if we don't, they don't show any themselves.

      Kurt - I found the people in Toronto exceptionally friendly, too. The only places I've been in Canada were Montreal, Toronto, and the stretch that runs between MI and NY. I've never had a problem with anyone being rude to me in any of those places. A few weren't the nicest, but it was me that really had the apology obligations those times.

      I think anywhere you go, people will be rude or polite according to how they see your actions. If you're the type that walks into a foreign country with your first demands being "Do you speak English" you'll find yourself getting off on the wrong foot every time. If you've taken time to learn at least a greeting and a few remedial words or phrases of the language the culture speaks, you'll find that even if you slaughter their language, they will appreciate your attempt to be polite yourself and will treat you as a welcomed guest instead of an intruder.
      Naw, I don't think I ever asked "can you speak english?". I have to admit I asked "Taler de engelsk?". That got some snickers because I was too formal! NOW it is "Taler du engelsk?". And, of course, "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" If they didn't, I still tried to communicate in their language. I tried it most of the time anyway. BTW they were generally nice.

      But yeah, I wish the American stereotype were 100% HOGWASH! I took a Danish tour, and some guy from Texas acted like he was a big shot just because he was American. To hear him talk, the Danes can't get, but REALLY WANT American dollars. The fact is they can get them from any bank! And another time I was in a Train compartment, two US soldiers came in and, soon later, lied to a german that wanted to come in, and pushed him out the door. They were cold until they found that I was an American.

      I've never been to canada. 8-(

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author athuk
    I think each person is fine.
    It depends how you talk with them.
    just my 2 cents
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  • Profile picture of the author lisacrain
    if we are talking about a country having polite people "everywhere" then most of them won't be there when I get there. So its difficult to be sure that that country has the most of them. But I found the people in London and Paris to be unfriendly and rude.
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  • Profile picture of the author NatureElf
    I have found rude and friendly people in many different places. I guess it just depends on the people and not so much the upbringing/culture. I do have to say that when I was in Argentina the people there were very warm and kind.
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  • Profile picture of the author moisespoll
    hat always seems to be the view from people in Germany on this matter - that so-called polite people are actually just hiding some terrible thing they want to say, but don't....hmm


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  • Profile picture of the author jhonrock007
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    • Profile picture of the author KatyaSenina
      Originally Posted by jhonrock007 View Post

      I think Egypt because hey are honest, familiar and hearty.
      I agree! Egyptian people are awesome.
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      • Profile picture of the author JakeDaly
        Egyptians traveling abroad have a lot of respect for others, they're good people. Costa Ricans, by far, have to be the nicest. Costa Rica is the only country I've been successfully robbed and I'd have to say even my robbers were actually pretty nice dudes, as strange as that sounds.
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  • Profile picture of the author derekwong28
    Japanese voted world's best tourists by hoteliers

    The Japanese usually wins either as the host nation or as tourists themselves. But we do not know how they treat each other unless you are Japanese.

    The French are voted the worst, so much for their claims of being the most civilized nation on earth.


    Derek
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  • Profile picture of the author gareth
    There is a big difference between friendly & polite.
    New Zealander's are friendly but impolite & I think Australians are too but in a different way.

    New Yorkers I found to be very unfriendly but very polite. England has a class system which seems to influence manners.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nyakibia
    Well, seems like it mostly depends on the person. When people wear their tourist faces they are usually polite and very friendly. Anyone would like to give a great impression of who they are and where they come from anyway. However, I have still met tourists from various countries who were nowhere near polite but I did not assume that all the people in their country are like that. Nobody's perfect. The world is not perfect. I guess I will just have to live with that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Of course, it is Canada...
    (read the article)
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  • Profile picture of the author ElMundodelExito
    My vote would go for the old people from Canada and women of Venezuela.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris1203
    I think that the most polite country in the world has got to be either Japan or China. Politeness is really important to them (even as they kick our butts with their technological know-how )
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  • Profile picture of the author oldphart
    So I am at LAX as I emigrate from Australia to Canada. It is the late 1980's. My airport trolley was loaded to the gunnels and then some - apart from furniture, everything I owned was on that trolley and it felt like I had ton on it - very hard to control. And then I ran it over this unfortunate fellow's foot. I waited for him to attack me, or even draw his gun when he apologized to me for putting his foot in my way. He was, of course, a Canadian.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    you can't say one country IMHO. People arte peole. 10% are complete scumbags who would sell their own kids for a quick buck... Then you have good and bad days, etc... Same all over.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Patterson
    It's all about good manners....

    How to Have Good Southern Manners | eHow.com
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    Is that a joke? I found them to be the most obnoxious arrogant people I have come across. Seems their culture is like this...Not all but a high %.

    I've always found Germans to be unfailingly polite.
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      Is that a joke? I found them to be the most obnoxious arrogant people I have come across. Seems their culture is like this...Not all but a high %.
      I certainly never saw them as obnoxious or arrogant. ICSM there, but you know godwin and paul...

      Anyway, I certainly haven't had a problem. When I started studying german more formally, I got some copies of jugendscala, MAN I wish someone had told me about that earlier! It was like an international "scholastic" in German. And I think it was related to the goethe institute, a german philantrophic company dedicated to preserving german history and art, and furthering relations with other countries through language and culture. http://www.goethe.de/uun/enindex.htm Anyway, the kids(actually up to 18yo or so) seemed nice, open, wellbehaved, and normal.

      One german girl spoke of how she was treated in france. She said that she didn't know if it had to do with HER, or her nationality. The bias STILL exists. It is a shame that someone on vacation should have to contend with that, especially a little girl.

      BTW people from maany OTHER cultures had THEIR stories published also. The idea was kind of an international forum in printed form with German as a kind of "lingua franca".

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author PeterDunin
    I'd say its got to be the polish,i have polish friends and their always taking me out to the pub!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author ExRat
      Hi,

      As the thread proves, it's all down to your personal definition of politeness.

      I love Aussies. They're not really polite (verbally) - they call a spade a spade and love the banter. But they'll make sure you have a cold beer (and keep it cold) and will feed you up with barbie grub - so it depends what you class as polite. I could go without the verbal niceties in exchange for beer, food and someone making sure I am smiling and having a great time.

      I spend a lot of time around Germans - they're very polite and very inpolite - depending on what definition you have.

      They don't like queueing and are baffled by our manners and queueing-patience - they have a dog eat dog attitude. They also call a spade a spade, once you know them well enough. Once you do know them, they don't advise, they tell you straight - painfully. But in general, they're lovely.

      Like the Aussies, they will not leave you unfed or unwatered and they insist on the highest quality feed and falling-over water.

      As for us English...we blow hot and cold. I think we tend to push the boundaries at either extreme. Yeh, some of us do that chivalry thing, hold doors for strangers, say our P's and Q's etc....but just look at my posts in the main forum

      My experience of Japanese people is that they are very polite - it was a major achievement when I got my friend's Japanese wife to understand that it was compulsory and a sign of endearment to take the mickey out of me.

      I don't think you can achieve much that's definitive concerning geographical demographics on this subject except for peoples' random opinions based on their particular experiences, like mine above - which can and probably will all differ.

      For the record,even though I think that politeness is a win-win for both parties, and therefore a great habit, I'd happily sacrifice it for all-round friendliness/caring which is a valuable and special type of politeness.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

        Hi,

        As the thread proves, it's all down to your personal definition of politeness.

        I love Aussies. They're not really polite (verbally) - they call a spade a spade and love the banter. But they'll make sure you have a cold beer (and keep it cold) and will feed you up with barbie grub - so it depends what you class as polite. I could go without the verbal niceties in exchange for beer, food and someone making sure I am smiling and having a great time.

        I spend a lot of time around Germans - they're very polite and very inpolite - depending on what definition you have.

        They don't like queueing and are baffled by our manners and queueing-patience - they have a dog eat dog attitude. They also call a spade a spade, once you know them well enough. Once you do know them, they don't advise, they tell you straight - painfully. But in general, they're lovely.

        Like the Aussies, they will not leave you unfed or unwatered and they insist on the highest quality feed and falling-over water.

        As for us English...we blow hot and cold. I think we tend to push the boundaries at either extreme. Yeh, some of us do that chivalry thing, hold doors for strangers, say our P's and Q's etc....but just look at my posts in the main forum

        My experience of Japanese people is that they are very polite - it was a major achievement when I got my friend's Japanese wife to understand that it was compulsory and a sign of endearment to take the mickey out of me.

        I don't think you can achieve much that's definitive concerning geographical demographics on this subject except for peoples' random opinions based on their particular experiences, like mine above - which can and probably will all differ.

        For the record,even though I think that politeness is a win-win for both parties, and therefore a great habit, I'd happily sacrifice it for all-round friendliness/caring which is a valuable and special type of politeness.
        I think you might be right about the aussies. I always thought they seemed nice.

        As for the Germans and Queing, they understand it and appreciate it FINE as a people. on a case by case business? Well, I WISH I could say NO Americans have that problem. Things have gotten crowded, and lines might be started by DECENT people. Sometimes a "polite" idiot might ask you which cashier you are waiting for, EVEN if 4 people are in the line. DUH... We are waiting for the FIRST one! And others may just go and not ask. "Well, the line was 2 feet THAT way! And it gets hard to track. Just yesterday, I was in a line that went every such way. LUCKILY, everyone kept their place. Of course, THEN, there was only ONE agent. Too bad the "DEAD HEAD"(THEIR TERM) had NO decency. Who knows WHAT he was doing, but he wasted a LOT of time. The rest of the line REALLY MOVED once he was done. He SHOULD have just called them up, gotten a seat, and been HAPPY! They don't pay, and are given a seat as a COURTESY, which is why they are called "DEAD HEADS".

        Oh well, there is a german colloquiallism equating a line with a snake. So, based on the shape, I guess they have the same problem, even if it IS normally roped off that way.

        And Germans probably follow manners as well as Americans. YEAH, I know, that isn't saying much now.

        Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Searchedterms
    People in Sri lanka are free friendly and ready to help .I have been there and they are very hospitable people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spivey
    Thailand (The Land of Smiles)
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  • Profile picture of the author RahulNag
    It surely has to be Japan and now South Korea. Here in London there are lots of South Korean restaurants and shops etc and I have found the people to be really nice and friendly.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasejames
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author abednego
      Originally Posted by jasejames View Post

      Politeness is all about their birth, education, intelligence, and the character.
      Education, birth, intelligence... ? egh.
      I'd go with upbringing & culture.
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      • Profile picture of the author seasoned
        Originally Posted by abednego View Post

        Education, birth, intelligence... ? egh.
        I'd go with upbringing & culture.
        SAME HERE! What kind of education could it be? I have met people that considered the idea of college too difficult that were nice and mean. SAME with VERY intelligent people. The same, of course, goes for intelligence.

        Upbringing goes a long way though, and so do cultures. Even if they don't like it, some ACT polite.

        Steve
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        • Profile picture of the author Nate D
          I've been on 3 military deployments to the middle east where basically we were tied down to the base for most of the time. I always got along best with the British and Australian military compared to my fellow American co-workers. The Brits and Australians always seemed friendly and were always joking around. They never seemed to be grumpy like Americans. They also had less rules they had to follow compared to the Americans. They could basically go off base whenever they wanted. All the strict rules on base were made by the U.S. They would frequently ask me "What's up with all the bloody rules?"
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  • Profile picture of the author Raja Kamil
    Malay in Malaysia. Try them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Raja Kamil
    One more thing is, if you want to meet real polite people, don't find them in big city.
    Why, in big city, wherever on earth, their mind set is "Serve Only Who Can Pay".
    Therefor, they will be polite to you when they see you are wearing expensive suit, or have money etc.

    If you really want to meet polite people, go outside form city. Visit villages, maybe their style quite rough and not educated, but they are very humble and straight forward.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nyakibia
    Well, seems like it mostly depends on the person. When people wear their tourist faces they are usually polite and very friendly. Anyone would like to give a great impression of who they are and where they come from anyway. However, I have still met tourists from various countries who were nowhere near polite but I did not assume that all the people in their country are like that. Nobody's perfect. The world is not perfect. I guess I will just have to live with that.
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  • Profile picture of the author dreamers22
    No doubt India..
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by dreamers22 View Post

      No doubt India..
      DOES NOT COMPUTE! TRY AGAIN!
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  • Profile picture of the author vishalduggal
    When it comes to nation.Indian's are the most politenes..
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  • Profile picture of the author albertosandras
    Well

    I guess most polite people would be indians

    I mean as far as their helpfulness is concerned !

    Regards!!
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  • Profile picture of the author coachoutlet
    polite people!I think as long as people respect each other, will become a person with good manners
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    It's funny. I think maybe Canadians deserve the polite reputation (but aren't actually that friendly). However, the country where I found people to be friendliest -- while certainly NOT the politest -- was China.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lucky500
    I have to say Japanese. In Brazil we have the biggest Japanese community outside Japan...and I have to say, I haven't met a rude Japanese. I think most Asian people are pretty polite.
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  • Profile picture of the author sarahberra
    Even though I am a conservative I still avoid conservative talk radio because most of these people are down right mean. Yes, they are right about a lot of things, but I wish they could convey their messages differently. Some talk show hosts give conservatives a bad name.
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    • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
      Originally Posted by sarahberra View Post

      <sni>Yes, they are right about a lot of things, but I wish they could convey their messages differently. Some talk show hosts give conservatives a bad name.<snip>
      This forum isn't supposed to go there, but I think they are wrong about everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sabrina178
    Having lived in a multicultural country, and traveled to other countries, I can say that Filipinos, British, Indonesians are the most polite races....
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  • Profile picture of the author cutequotes
    i think australia, they are nice people
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  • Profile picture of the author andycruz
    INDIA is the last country in this list!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author jgand
    I've been to Japan and I thought people in Japan are very polite. If you go to stores and ask a question, many people try to help you. It was my business trip but I had a good time there.
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  • Profile picture of the author feihu989
    Maybe Japanese ?
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  • Profile picture of the author Rosin
    I vote for British.
    just met British ladies before.they behaved politely.pity that I haven't met any gentlemen from UK.
    but they are famous for their politeness right?
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    Canadians rule for politeness, someone said if you don't like anything about Canada they will change it for you
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  • Profile picture of the author mcampbell075
    Well maybe Asian countries

    All I can say is it depends on the personality of a person.
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  • Profile picture of the author mattbrenner
    Most of the people in india are polite based on my experience.
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