Contents Various Aspects of Body Language

6. The Chinese Nose Point

So when a Chinese person refers to themselves, they don’t point to the chest like many other cultures. Instead, using the forefinger or thumb, they point to the nose.
Every time you want to signify “Me” or “I,” point to the nose. And I mean your nose. Touching the nose of others is considered extremely rude! (Then again, there probably aren’t many cultures where it’s socially acceptable to boop someone else’s nose during a conversation.)

7. The Swiss Cheek Kisses

Have you ever been in that awkward situation where you go in for a hug but the other person goes in for a cheek kiss? And by the time you notice, you’re not sure which cheek to start with and fumble the whole greeting? Yep, we’ve probably all been there!
So let’s get this off the table: in Switzerland, it’s three cheek kisses—starting with your right cheek.
Many countries in Europe and Latin America use cheek kisses as a way of greeting.
The Swiss kiss, in particular, is a common way to greet family and close friends—especially when it’s between girl-and-girl or girl-and-boy. Between men, not so much—they usually do with a warm handshake, unless they’re really close.
New acquaintances are welcomed with a handshake but as the relationship deepens, this graduates to cheek kisses.

8. The Iranian “Thumbs Up”

In a Western country, if someone on the street gives you a thumbs up, they’re likely being friendly and encouraging. That thumbs-up gesture says “Hello, friend! I am in approval of your outfit/action/existence!”
If someone on the street of an Arab country gives you a thumbs up, they might be saying something more like, well, “up yours.” That’s because in many Middle Eastern cultures like Iran, Iraq and parts of Greece, the “thumbs up” is basically the equivalent of giving someone the middle finger. Imagine that sturdy thumb and sitting on it, because that’s what the gesture is trying to say.
However, thanks to Hollywood movies, Facebook and other elements of popular culture disseminating in the Middle East, the thumbs-up gesture can sometimes just be a
So how do you know if the gesture is meant in a positive or negative way? Maybe you never will. But you can just assume it’s supposed to be encouraging—just flash a smile and a nod of acknowledgment to the thumb’s owner and be on your merry way. Everyone wins!