Politeness and customs in my country

In Poland even if we know someone, for example from school, work or other place, it`s not easy to start small talk. Topics of talks often don’t concern the private life of interlocutors.
In small talks we usually bring up neutral-safe topics like: the weather, the politics, prices in shops, etc.
Poles keep some distance from strangers and older people, for example on train. When we talk with older person usually our conversation is very official. In Poland when we talk with older or stranger people we don’t use form “Mr.” and “Mrs.”, however there are some exceptions. In small community, for example in a place of employment, everyone uses popular forms and doesn’t pay attention to age differences.
In Poland, when we are greeting with samebody familiar we just say: “hallo” or “how are you?”. It’s admissible that friends give a hug or kiss in public places, especially girls. It’s impermissible to touch strangers.
I think that Poles try to be polite, they make efforts to explain every misunderstandings. Unfortunately this behaviour is not always sincere, it often results from a fact, that Poles want to be liked and accepted by all.
We aren’t accurate, as regards the time, because in Poland so called “student quarter” is still accepted and practiced. It means that we can be late 15 minutes and nothing will happen. Fortunately, this bad habit has started changing and people are more and more punctual.
In my opinion we behave politely and pleasantly in shops or offices. We use many mannerly expressions.
When we introduce someone, we say for example: “Ben, may I introduce you to Nicola?”. It’s worth mentioning, that in Poland it’s vital to shake hands confidently. The handshake says many things about our personality, so we have to make sure we shake the person's hand firmly if we want to make a great first impression. There is also a custom that women give her hand first when they meet men. In past, there was a manner, that a man kissed a woman’s hand. This custom, which seems to be funny, is very nice, unfortunately nowadays it’s practised sporadically.
When we offer something or invite someone we try to be as polite as it is possible. I think hospitality is traditionally part of the Polish character.