Social Graces

[JDd]

common cents.........everytime

[gregandkelly63]

Polite, but firm.

We brought all our adult children to Negril a few years ago. I made one thing clear to all of them before we went. You can be polite but firm when dealing with the higglers, but don't ever let me see you disrespect anyone. They live here and are just trying make a living.

[Gman]

Polite, but firm.

We brought all our adult children to Negril a few years ago. I made one thing clear to all of them before we went. You can be polite but firm when dealing with the higglers, but don't ever let me see you disrespect anyone. They live here and are just trying make a living.

Great advice! I am bringing my two teens in a week and a half and basically told them the same thing.

[Lola]

..

When I see a male start to move like he is going to touch me, I say "Don't touch me" in a low, firm voice directed his way. They always pull back, but if they kept coming or maybe didn't catch it I would say it again. We can talk, he can give me the information I need, but I am not for him to touch.

As far as the hand-shaking, 'Its winter, lots of people traveling from the North, I am afraid of germs so I don't shake hands on the street'. Jamaicans don't like germs, and will commiserate on wanting to avoid cold or flu.

.

[captaind]

Not sure if it's still commonly used but "good evening" = "good afternoon"

In Jamaican society it is considered impolite not to to greet someone without saying "Good mornin', good evening or good night"

Cap

[Bnewb]

Not sure if it's still commonly used but "good evening" = "good afternoon"

In Jamaican society it is considered impolite not to to greet someone without saying "Good mornin', good evening or good night"

Cap

Capt...when I was taking a course here...a group of Jamaicans were arguing when you're supposed to say good afternoon, good evening and good night. This impassioned group decided that the polite and correct way to greet someone was from noon to 4pm with good afternoon, from 4-7pm you were to be greeted with good evening and after 7pm was good night. And, if any other Jamaican did not do it this way they were being improper... ...tough group...but they were all fabulous!

[Jamerican1]

Fist bump. I try to never shake hands with anyone I don't know in Jamaica. Shaking hands is a good way for something you do not want to be placed into your hand, or for them to hold on for dear life while trying to sell you something.

Actually I try to never really touch anyone or have them touch me.

So far I have not run into any major issues with higglers, the ones I have dealt with have been friendly enough. I am polite, but firm. Most of them want to know if I am there alone since my husband needs to hide in the shade if we are on the beach and I am a sun-worshipper so we rarely are sitting together. I smile, say no, point to the husband, and tell them he looks like he is sleeping, but I promise you he is not, and right on queue my husband will wave, lol!

[TAH]

I always fist bump, no hand shaking unless it's someone that I know, then it's a handshake or "bro hug". The most important rule, IMO, is to always be respectful. That alone will avert a lot of hassle. Always acknowledge people, I never just ignore (it's just rude). Be decent, and you won't have many issues.

As to the locals crossing the line with your lady, it has never happened to us, as long as I'm present. The locals have always been respectful in that regard, at least in my experience. But I'm always with her, so that helps a lot.

[Jim-Donna]

Put something on over your swimsute if you go to town. like a cover-up.

[JDd]

real jamaicans..... imo... are very respectful people.... they would never..... ever.

beach hustlers will tell you what you want to hear