Slovakia’s is still a formal society that uses the polite 'you’ form of address (equivalent to the French vous and the German Sie) on first acquaintance, and indeed until the older person invites the younger to use the familiar mode of address. Manners and sartorial elegance are highly prized and first impressions count for a lot. On the other hand, Slovaks appreciate humility in strangers, and a politely respectful manner will open many social doors. Men are inclined to be gallant, and women generally allow them to be. Neither is an expression of sexual oppression, but more of the same politesse.

Slovakia is, above all, modern and European, so any suggestion that foreigners regard it as a backwater is deeply resented. After work, the formality tends to be dropped, and alcohol plays a large role in reducing the social gulf between strangers. As with food, you will have to refuse a drink three times if you really mean it, and when you clink glasses you’re expected to make eye contact as firm as a handclasp.