Home Considerations
- In conservative circles, men and women may socialise separately — follow your guest's cues on mixed-gender situations
- Respect for elders is deeply ingrained — older family members are deferred to in both decisions and conversation
- In Tunisian culture, the group — especially the family — takes priority over personal needs or preferences
- Eye contact with those of higher status is sometimes avoided as a sign of respect — don't read this as disengagement
- Silence in conversation is not uncomfortable — don't feel compelled to fill every pause
- Greet the eldest people in the room first, then move through by rough order of age
- Handshakes between people of the same gender are standard — between men and women, always wait for the woman to extend her hand first. If she doesn't, a respectful nod is correct
- Greet everyone individually on arrival and departure — never give a general wave to the room