- Social Customs
- Italians greet with formal "lei" and cheek kisses for strangers
- Body language and smiling are important in Italian greetings
- Loud people are disliked in public places
- Time perception is relaxed, especially in smaller cities
- Daily Life
- Family is most important, children often live with parents until late twenties
- Italians work 40 hours weekly, often starting around 7:30-8:00
- Social life revolves around weekends, especially after work
- Nightlife starts with aperitivo at 18:00, ends at 05:00
- Food Culture
- Traditional breakfast includes espresso and sweet treats
- Main meals consist of three courses: pasta, meat/fish, dessert
- Aperitivo is a social gathering before dinner
- Eating is seen as important social moment
- Taboos
- Asking about mafia affiliation is considered offensive
- Ordering cappuccino after noon is considered rude
- Putting cheese on fish is considered offensive
- Crossing arms during meals brings bad luck
- Friday's 13th or 17th bring bad luck