According to etiquette rules from a bygone era, we should avoid certain subjects like religion, politics, and money because we’re all so different. In the 21st century world, though, interacting with people with varied cultural backgrounds and beliefs is simply the norm. This can only be a positive thing, because we learn so much more from our differences than from our similarities. We live and work in a global environment, and it’s necessary to be exposed to diversity in every way if we want to have a pleasant, productive and successful life.
The following Seven Interfaith Etiquette rules will help you learn how to communicate confidently with people of different cultures and faiths. As most of my friends and followers know, my focus is Northern Africa and The Middle East, but these rules can apply to every intercultural situation you encounter.
The following Seven Interfaith Etiquette rules will help you learn how to communicate confidently with people of different cultures and faiths. As most of my friends and followers know, my focus is Northern Africa and The Middle East, but these rules can apply to every intercultural situation you encounter.
1. Learn about the other person's religion; in most cases, if it’s explained well, it will make sense. Share as much information as you can about your religion, too. Religious people are usually pretty tolerant to other faiths and beliefs (of course there are always extreme cases.)
2. Explore. It’s a very good idea to explore other people's religions—visit their church, temple synagogue, or mosque. Even fasting for a couple of days can help you to experience the feeling and start to form a bond of shared values.
3. Be respectful during their observations, prayers, or other religious practices. For example, one of my best friends was observing Ramadan (I am a Christian), so my respect for her led me to refrain from eating or drinking around her or her family during the observation of their holy month.
4. Always look for similarities. You’ll be surprised how many positive ideas other seemingly different religions share with your own. The differences will be always there, but this makes life more enjoyable. Don't you agree?
5. Do not be provocative, especially with your questions, clothing, food or drink. For example, shorts and showing a lot of cleavage could be pretty disrespectful to devoutly religious people. Also, don’t drink alcohol or bring it as a gift during religious holidays if you aren’t sure about how others might react.
6. If a conversation or situation gets really uncomfortable, just leave it. An argument is only possible if more than one person is involved, so be the “adult.” Sometimes it isn’t easy, but in the long run it will be worth it.
7. Do not make senseless jokes. Most of the time they simply aren’t funny, and come off as rude. Etiquette is about creating a pleasant, respectful, and "easy" atmosphere.
No matter what situations you face during the holiday season, keep your sense of compassion, respect, and curiosity intact. These core principles, along with the steps I’ve outlined above, should keep the holiday spirit flowing into a wonderful new year!
Love and Peace,
Maryanne
2. Explore. It’s a very good idea to explore other people's religions—visit their church, temple synagogue, or mosque. Even fasting for a couple of days can help you to experience the feeling and start to form a bond of shared values.
3. Be respectful during their observations, prayers, or other religious practices. For example, one of my best friends was observing Ramadan (I am a Christian), so my respect for her led me to refrain from eating or drinking around her or her family during the observation of their holy month.
4. Always look for similarities. You’ll be surprised how many positive ideas other seemingly different religions share with your own. The differences will be always there, but this makes life more enjoyable. Don't you agree?
5. Do not be provocative, especially with your questions, clothing, food or drink. For example, shorts and showing a lot of cleavage could be pretty disrespectful to devoutly religious people. Also, don’t drink alcohol or bring it as a gift during religious holidays if you aren’t sure about how others might react.
6. If a conversation or situation gets really uncomfortable, just leave it. An argument is only possible if more than one person is involved, so be the “adult.” Sometimes it isn’t easy, but in the long run it will be worth it.
7. Do not make senseless jokes. Most of the time they simply aren’t funny, and come off as rude. Etiquette is about creating a pleasant, respectful, and "easy" atmosphere.
No matter what situations you face during the holiday season, keep your sense of compassion, respect, and curiosity intact. These core principles, along with the steps I’ve outlined above, should keep the holiday spirit flowing into a wonderful new year!
Love and Peace,
Maryanne
