Meeting and Greeting Etiquette
Initial greetings are polite and restrained. The most typical initial greeting when meeting someone is a handshake and a warm grin. During the welcoming phase, it is traditional to keep looking each other in the eyes. Close friends and family members may give each other a quick hug and two cheek kisses.
Only close friends and family use first names. The honorific titles "Gospa" (Madam), "Gospodièna" (Miss), or "Gospod" are used to address others (Sir). The use of a person's first name without their permission is impolite and obtrusive. On a person's birthday, it's customary to greet them with three kisses, one on each cheek.
Due to their natural reserve, Slovenians may not at first seem pleasant to others from more informal cultures. Once a relationship is established, this reserve quickly vanishes. For a business meeting, at the beginning and conclusion of meetings, shake hands. Shaking hands with women first is customary. Handshakes ought to be strong and assured.
During the welcome, maintain eye contact. Titles indicating professional or academic achievement are frequently combined alongside surnames. Use the honorific titles "Gospa" (Madam) or "Gospod" (Sir) with the surname if a person does not have a professional or academic title. There is a growing trend toward using first names as soon as possible. Waiting until your Slovenian coworker suggests using his or her first name is a good idea, though. After introductions, business cards are traded without a formal ceremony. The Slovenian translation on one side of your card is a wonderful touch.
