The term “faux pas” comes originally from French (it literally means “misstep”)—I guess the French are so prone to cultural awkwardness they needed a word for it.
I like to think my parents raised me well and that I’m usually a polite and considerate person. But I was also very French when I settled in Canada, and my Frenchness led to me to commit many involuntarily social “oops”.
The way companies do business and treat customers vary widely across industries—and cultures.
Sometimes it pays off to listen to pre-recorded messages. And to check your bank account often.
This is “recession 101”—scoring deals is the right move, and paying full price is so 2008.
Every year, an undisclosed number of permanent residents decide to go home.
This year, I knew what I wanted—a BlackBerry. I figured that a smartphone would actually be useful.
