. It is customary to thank your host for the meal. Guests from some East Asian countries should remember that it is impolite to leave soon after dinner. Expect to leave around 11 pm in winter, and about 12 pm in the summer. Unless your hosts are smokers, do not light up in a Norwegian home or office without asking permission. Toasting Toasting is usual during business and social dinners. Usually the host makes a short speech and proposes the first toast. Guests look into the eyes of the person being toasted, give a slight nod and say "skl" (cheers). Before putting your glass down, look into the person's eyes again and nod. Both women and men may offer toasts. When in doubt watch the other guests. Conversation Norwegians appreciate modesty and a certain degree of humility. They consider flaunting wealth or success to be in poor taste. Material things do not overly impress them. The same lack of interest applies to "name dropping" - the mention of influential or famous people you know. Avoid comments that could be taken as boastful or self-promoting. Good topics of conversation include hobbies, politics, travel and sports, especially winter sports such as skiing. Norwegians are proud of their country and their history. Many Norwegians have very close ties with nature. The visitor should avoid being critical of things, attitudes or organizations. Norwegians tend toward restraint when criticizing their own affairs. ...
