How to in Eeanurop

1Be open and curious about what is different! First of all, it's very important that you understand that European identity is very composite and can show significant differences throughout different countries. However, these are usually less obvious to non-Europeans and are hardly a problem if you aim for a general "pan-European" way of being. Because of these differences, it is very important to be open and willing to know more about customs and traditions. Most Europeans are quite esterophile and show fascination towards everything foreign...along with being proud of their own nation's achievement. However, ostentation of patriotism is very rare, as it is consider vulgar and short-sighted. Avoid being too vocal about how superior you think your country is, and be more open to see the great achievements of others'.

2Learn at least two languages spoken in the Union! Europe is a geographical convention, and the European Union a very brave political experiment. It never happened in world history that such a diverse collection of people and nations would put aside some of their national power (and arrogance) for the sake of peace and international prosperity. However, it is quite hard to cement such a political union at lower levels when people speak so many different languages, this is why in most European states it is compulsory to study at least one foreign language spoken in other European member-states. Speaking English can help you get by in most place but if you seek integration you have to learn the local language.

3Don't be vocal about your religious belief! Whilst it often happens that religious groups blatantly try to interfere with the political life of the states, religion is pretty much considered a private matter and should be kept so. Even if you know that the people you are talking to are religious, avoid mentioning it as they might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Avoid mentioning god of Jesus every other word as it's considered tedious and in some cases it's a bit of a taboo. Mentioning God is often discouraged, particularly among politicians, who are meant to be representative of an increasingly-atheist society.

4Live more green! Some states are better than other at this, but adopting a more sustainable life-style is quite a big deal all over the continent. Recycling is widespread and the use of public transport, car-sharing and renewable resources are becoming the norm rather than the exception. You should try to follow this trend. Recycle whenever possible and avoid wasting energy and water. The EU is strongly committed to protecting the environment.

5Cycle more often! The use of a car when a bicycle (or even one's own feet) would be more than enough is consider a bit silly and in some cases even an offence, as by using a car when not necessary you are polluting and increasing traffic and noise. Some states encourage the use of bicycles in urban areas by making it very expensive and frustrating for cars to go about.

6Eat more sensibly! Although the colorful toys that are to be found in McDonald's Happy Meals are irresistible even for European children, as a general rule Europeans are quite aware of what they eat, avoiding processed food and products coming from unreliable source, such as factory-like farms who treat animals inhumanely. More and more Europeans try to get food from local and small farms, particularly in markets where you can get cheap organic food. By eating more sensibly you help both yourself, and the environment (not to mention the local economy).

7Dress properly! Some nations are better at this than others (the Italians are literally obsessed with this and look down on the Brits who always choose the wrong colours, or the Germans who wear socks with sandals). In any case, it is quite important to know how and "when" to dress. Dressing poorly in a classy situation is just as bad as dressing too well in a casual situation. Wearing a suit for a ceremony is fine, but wearing it to go to university classes is not. It is best to avoid tacky colours and glittering-over the top accessories. In your face-stuff is considered vulgar.

8Don't talk about your private life with people you don't know very well! Some Europeans are often appalled by the way Americans confidently talk about their recent divorce or their parent's mental illness after having met on a bus ride. Private matters such as these are left for close friends and family and it's better not to discuss them with new acquaintances, not even after a few weeks of regular meetings. Europeans will feel very awkward if you tell them about your personal issues as they won't know how to handle the conversation.

9Don't boast about your personal achievements! Whether you won the third prize in a sofa-jumping tournament, or you were the 8th best student on your third year at school...Europeans won't care. The best you can get by boasting about your past achievements is a frown of disapproval. Such behaviour is considered vulgar at best, if not rude. If you want to be appreciated show yourself to be a polite, well-mannered and open-minded person. Talk to them without rising your voice and be respectful of their opinion. Then show a hint of interest towards their local culture and you can be sure they will adore you.

10Don't try to build a connection with them by drawing genealogical lines! It is very great if your great-great grandma's cousin was a French noble who escaped to the new world during some turbulent European wars, but this won't make the French see you as one of them. Particularly if French cheese is banned in your home country ;) In any case, telling people randomly about your heritage is not very acceptable. Americans in particular talk about their ancestry more often than not, but Europeans are less concerned with it.

11Don't be obsessed with money! It isn't easy, particularly if you come from very capitalistic countries, but again, money-talk is considered vulgar and of poor taste. Money obsession does not bring any good, but brings you to a therapist more often than not. It is much better to enjoy the share that we get rather than be constantly dissatisfied because we want more. Economy should serve people not the other way around, if your working pace is making you unhappy, you should consider a break and a slowing down. There are Europeans who travel the world and have amazing experiences despite having quite low earnings. Expanding and creating an empire of wealth seems cool, but most people would be much happier with less money and less stress. The point is that in European mentality, it isn't worth earning money if you make your life a misery in the meanwhile.

12Care more about others! Being more socialist does not mean giving money to slackers as some workaholics believe. It's more about creating a fare and more peaceful society with opportunities for everyone. It means than children can still attend the best schools without their parents having to sell their house or getting engaged in a life-long excruciating debt. It means less fuss in the streets and ultimately more time to enjoy life and less to worry about money and the future. What have we been living for if in the last millenia we haven't been able to make life safer and less stressful for future generations?