comparingthemselves with First World nations. Happy to beBraziliansDespitecomplaining about their country, government and weather (!) all ther time,there are several songs about being Brazilian, and they are decidedly positive.In spite of it all, Brazilians seem to enjoy the particularities of theirculture. They may grumble about everything and everybody, but in the end theyare simply happy to be Brazilians.But beware:while Brazilians can be highly critical of certain aspects of their country(especially bureaucracy, the social system, and politics) even moderatecriticism is not so welcome when coming from outsiders. Socializingwith the opposite sexCarnaval and beach images have associated Brazilianwomen with tiny bikinis and sun-bronzed sensuality. But beach fashion onlyapplies when one is on the beach, and the same can be said about Carnaval. Although sensuality is part ofBrazilian culture, taking the stereotype as reality could not be a worse start.Just likeeverything else, the way the opposite sexes socialize varies in different partsof the country. In the cities people of either sex go out together as regularfriends. Much further inland there are places where one should not address amarried or engaged woman in case a jealous partner takes itpersonally and reacts violently.Braziliansmake an effort to look good and, while they may expect and be pleased to becomplimented, such remarks stay at the level of appreciation only (and do nottend to lead anywhere else).As ageneral observation, Brazilians are tactile. Men tap each other on the shoulder.Women can touch each others knees when they are sitting, as way of emphasizinga point in the conversation. They may hold arms or hands as a demonstration offriendship. People from both sexes touch arms, shoulders, and hands as they aretalking to each other. Such physical contact is part of Brazilian body languageand should most definitely not be considered as anything other than that.Reading itrightBrazilianslike to be seen as a nice and friendly people and they generally are. Butsometimes taking them literally may be the cause of a social gaffe. AnEnglishman who had recently arrived in the country made his first contacts in Brazil and wassurprised to be received so openly. Eager to start a social life, he was happywhen an acquaintance said he should come to their place some time. Being English, he tried to arrange a day and timefor visiting, but was told only Turn upat anytime. So he did. He could not hide his embarrassment when he realizedthey did not really mean it and he had completely misread their intention,which was similar to the American Lets do lunch a polite way of keepingdoors open to a possible relationship in the future. When people want toarrange something, they will mention a date. InvitationshomeStrictpunctuality is not expected on such occasions: about fifteen minutes after thetime arranged would be just right. Dinner will probably not be served rightaway. You should not offer to help with the cooking or, for that matter, helpyourself to anything in the kitchen, unless invited to do so. The same goesfor doing the dishes. Dinner is usually a relaxed affair and can end quite late.For Brazilians eating is a social thing.Friendshipthe Brazilian wayFor people fromcultures where you are supposed