While travelling in Southeast Asia, we experienced their expression of greeting. Rather than shake hands, their tradition is to place their hands together and shortly bow.

I learned that the depth and length of the bow can even reflect the level of respect being offered. While people in the United States say hello with a handshake, bowing carries the same meaning of courtesy and recognition in other cultures. In fact, our guides in Bali and Thailand told us that they rarely, if ever, shake hands. 

While travelling through Southeast Asia, I tried to adapt  to their tradition and bowed as a greeting. It felt awkward to me. But, to show respect I pushed through my awkwardness and bowed when greeting people. My acts in using their showing deference for their custom was very appreciated by the people we met.

I think it’s a simple reminder that gestures of respect may look different around the world, but the intention behind them is the same. What cultural differences have you experienced?