Learn How To Beg and Apologize

At first it just seems like simple manners, but Colombians have very specific social rules that are not just for people who want to be polite - they are perpetual habits learned by everyone. They become so habitual that people are shocked when you don´t return the typical social responce to certain situations. Should you shoose not to participate in these social rules, you will be chastized or ignored. In these situations, the habit is to beg and apologize.

Coming from U.S., there is no need to say ¨I am sorry¨ or beg for forgiveness unless you sincerely mean in it is grave situations. However, in Colombia it is normal to beg for forgiveness, a better proce, better customer service, or anything that is already expected as normal. Also, you are expected to apologize for even the smallest issues such as: standing in the way or asking for customer service. For me, most of these items are expected and should not require begging or apologizing for special treatment.

For the most part, it passes as politeness, but in the following situations it is just plain annoying that you have to make special request to demand something that is already expected as a foreigner.

• When to Apologize - Getting People To Move Out of The Way:
  I don´t know why Colombians are famous for this, but apparently they do not h¿know how to walk or have any awareness of when they are standing in the middle of a walkway. Hello, you are standing in the middle of the door and nooone can get through! It is not just me. I have talked to several people who agree that there is no concept of spacial reasoning in terms of traffic, walking on the sidewalk, or standing in line. In these situations, it is expected for someone to say ¨perdon¨ in order to move around the person who is obviously blocking everything. For me it seems odd that I should be the one to apologize for going around someone when they should apologize for being in the way in the first place!
• When to Beg - Requesting Customer Service
  Going to the bank or most restaurant is an lesson in humility. There is no reason why you should expect to be treated with any time of attention or special recognition. For these reasons, you have to beg and plead in order to recieve that same service anyone would get in the United States. For example, if you are at a restaurant, you should apologize to the waiter inorder to ask for extra napkins: ¨¿Hay que pena, me puedes regalar cervilletas?¨. This literally translates into: ¨I am so ashamed to ask you this, but can I have some napkin.¨ If your request does not sound somewhat apologetting, you probably won´t be served as fast.