Greetings etiquette
Most people say "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good night" to one another. Unless the person being greeted is familiar with American customs, simply saying hi or hello is considered bad manners. If you ask people how they are, be prepared for the truth rather than the generic "I'm fine" that many people in the United States offer. People don't always say goodbye, and they don't always feel the need to provide the overly enthusiastic ending that is so common in the United States. Younger people should greet elders first to show respect, and it is best to greet everyone individually in a room/at a function.
Most Saint Kitts and Nevisians are direct about some things and indirect about others. For example, if you gain weight, they will inform you that "you have gained some weight!" Then they might say, "You look good." They don't mean to be rude; rather, they mean it as a compliment that you're "adjusting and doing well." Prepare to hear the truth if you show them a dress you bought and ask what they think.
Some people will not tell you the truth if they believe it will hurt your feelings. For example, sometimes you do things that are acceptable in your culture but somewhat taboo in theirs, so they assume you don't know better and won't tell you about your faux pas. It takes time to get to know people and earn their trust and respect. People will be friendly from the start, but gaining trust and respect will take much longer. It's best not to rush through it.
