Sniff or blow your nose?

In Japan, it is more polite to sniff quietly than to blow your nose loudly in front of people.

But I hear that in other countries (especially in western countries), sniffing nose is hated and it is accepted to blow your nose with your handkerchief.

Is it true in your country? Which do you find it more polite, to sniff or blow your nose?

Do you use a handkerchief to blow your nose?

In Japan, people don't use their handkerchief when to blow their nose.

What do you do that makes you feel invincible? I found this question when I was studying English. I don't really understand what this question means. Could you give me some example answers?

I've joined an English conversation club! I've found an English conversation club in my town. People get together once a week and practice to talk in English! English conversation schools are very expensive, but the club is free! That's great! I'm going to join the gathering tomorrow for the first time. I'm really excited but a little bit nervous. But I must not be shy! I will talk a lot without worring about mistakes!!!

What can I say when a sales clerk says, "May I help you?" Some books says that you can say, "I'm just looking." Isn't it rude? Doesn't it sound strange when I have somethig I want to buy in my hand?

I've been busy. I've been busy since yesterday. I'm so sleepy, but I still have many things to do. I've just enjoyed reading some people's notebooks for a change. Now I have to go back to work! Phew!

Do not paint your nails! I worked for a rental video shop until last month. The shop did not allow the employees to paint their nails. But I’ve quit. I can paint my nails now! I’m wondering what color I will paint my nails. Pink? Blue? Red? Green? One of my friends from the U.S. said that the shop’s rule to forbid manicure was a typical Japanese one. They don’t care what color people at the rental video shop paint their nails, right? I wonder what people think about the shop’s rules. For example: Don’t paint your nails. Don’t dye your hair. Wear beige cotton pants. Tie your hair to keep it out of your face, but you must use black or brown bands. I think they are too strict, but they are not unusual in Japan.

invided to dinner A couple invited me, my sister and her boyfriend to their house this evening. They are both doctors and they have two houses! The house I’m going to this evening is their second one. It’s very big and beautiful. They stay only weekends there. They love wine and know I love wine too. We are going to enjoy their expensive and good wine and delicious dinner together!

I should not stop learning English. I haven't used italki often since I started. I was busy and I didn't know how to use it well. But I should not stop learning. I've come back to italki. I want to have chances to use English. It is the best way to learn languages is to use them, isn't it?

First notebook entry: Introducing myself Today I learned the phrase "exchange language." I learn English but it is difficult to practice talking in English alone... If I had a friend who is interested in Japanese and speaks English, it would be wounderful!! I live in an old city in Japan. My town is famous for some old buildings, beautiful Japanese garden and traditional crafts. If you are interested in them, I can tell you about them!