For quite many Americans good manners are something foreign ... - typically European ...

Typically German gestures of respect however exist also beyond prejudices. The “behavior” of “people in Germany” nowadays would be a different topic ...

Here's a little insight in German manners, which will also explain why Hecker's "handkiss" above is very nice indeed, but not polite ...

The big difference between politeness and hypocrisy is, that politeness is tied to real respect - a respect, of which one generally assumes at first that it’s appropriate for anyone else.

To show that this respect vanishes, the politeness can be reduced ...

Accordingly politeness is also a way to solve a conflict sophisticatedly, without violence.

Therefore the rules of politeness are no reduction of freedom, they make it possible to live together in freedom and overcome problems.

Feeling tied to ones own specific culture causes a feeling of pride, while one treats others respectfully.

… and by the way: There is something that Americans usually don’t like to write into history-books: German Prisoners of War were regarded as very attractive by American girls during both World Wars, despite they were Prisoners and “enemies”. The reason: They were much more polite and gentle than most Americans!

Everyone, who ever observed female loveliness, knows, how much (cultural) self confidence can make you win in this regard! … - and accordingly all rules, presented in this chapter, are not one bunch of “duties”, but a lot of single offers and chances!