Women who have not seen each other in a while will exchange hugs. It is appropriate to stand when a woman enters the room and when meeting other people. Salvadorans appreciate sincere compliments about their homes, children, gardens, or country. Small gifts may be exchanged with first-time visitors. Leaving a little food on the plate is considered good manners.
Men stand when a woman leaves the table.
Guests compliment the host or hostess on the meal, something which assures the hosts that the guests feel welcome. It is poor manners to use extensive hand or head gestures to express feelings or in conversation. Yawns should be avoided or covered with the hand. It is not appropriate to point feet or fingers at anyone. Only close friends are beckoned with a hand wave.