Men usually greet each other with a handshake. A handshake with two hands expresses sincerity and warmth. Women kiss each other on both cheeks. A woman who wants to shake a man's hand offer it first. Hugs and patting on the back are common among friends. During communication, Brazilians use a rich body language and touch interlocutors.
Brazilians are generally known for their friendliness and optimism. They happily look forward to the future, expecting only good things. Colorful festivals and excellent climate help them in maintaining an optimistic mood. Even the poorest people love to celebrate and dance, forgetting about everything. Brazilians are unhurried, rarely fussing, living today and enjoying little things. But there is the flip side of the coin - residents of Brazil cannot be called punctual people. Their relaxed attitude and tendency to enjoy every moment prevent them from arriving at meetings on time.
Brazilians may say bad things about the government or culture of their country, but if they hear how a foreigner says the same, they get offended and begin defending even something they do not like themselves. In general, Brazilians take the criticism of their country by foreigners very seriously. Due to their politeness, Brazilians rarely correct foreigners who speak poor Portuguese. Therefore, if you study Portuguese and want to improve it in Brazil - be sure to ask your buddies to correct you.
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