Loud silence: The most effective body language to use when you travel around Europe

For as long as I can remember, I have noticed that when I walk into an elevator just about anywhere in the world, my demeanor changes.  I tend to keep to myself, not mingling like I usually do with the strangers around me.

I usually don't speak at all. But, if I do, I talk in hushed tones, and only to a person I know who always answers in kind.

I always face front when I ride and I always keep tabs on my personal space, protecting the area by standing very erect.

Sometimes I even hold my stomach in, doing my best not to come in body contact with any of the other people taking the elevator with me.

In short, I bring everything down a notch. No, make that two.

My played-down behavior on these marvelous moving machines is not unique to me. I have found in almost every place in almost every country where I have ever ridden an elevator, this type of etiquette takes place. Oddly (at least to me), I have never found any written rules to dictate this very specific behavior.

However, sometimes rules are made to be written.

In other countries across the pond, the way in which we show off our body language can make or break a silent sentence.  That said, following are wordless styles of speaking in various European countries:

+  In Austria:  If someone starts stroking an imaginary beard in your presence, stop talking.  This silent gesture indicates that your commentary is boring at best.

+  In England:  If you spot someone pulling on an invisible chain while holding their nose, don't be confused:  This simply means that the person making the gesture is indicating that something stinks.

+  In Finland:  If you want to come off as arrogant, simply stand in the middle of a gathering and fold your arms in front of you.

+  In France:  If you see someone playing the air flute and they are in your presence, stop speaking.  This is one French way of silently saying that what you are saying is not interesting at all.

+  In Greece:  If you are a woman and someone stands before you stroking a beard (whether that person actually has one or not), then take that as a compliment.  Your Greek cohort is letting you and everyone around you know that he thinks you are pretty.

+  In Italy:  If someone salutes you by raising his or her hand to the forehead, don't take that as a friendly gesture.  That is the Italian way to gesture that this person thinks you are totally nuts.

+  In The Netherlands:  To indicate someone is a little off--OK, crazy--just pretend to catch an imaginary fly right as it passes by your face.

+  In Norway:  Apparently, the best way to wish a fisherman good luck is to spit at him when his back is turned.  I don't think I'll try that one!

+  In Portugal:  If you really enjoyed a meal hosted by a Portuguese colleague, try this:  Kiss your forefinger and then pinch your ear with that finger pressed on the back of your lobe by your thumb.

+  In Spain:  If you are still hungry after dinner has been served, take you fork and you knife and put them at opposite sides of the plate.  This is the way to say without actually saying that you want some more food.

Following are some other travel etiquette articles that may pique your interest:

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in Russia

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in China

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in Spain

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in Iceland

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in India

Culturally correct:  How to behave like a local in Peru

Culturally correct: How to behave like a local in France

Tipping tips

No burnt toasts