FOREIGN BABY ETIQUETTE: JUST SAY THE BABY SMELLS BAD

FOREIGN BABY ETIQUETTE: JUST SAY THE BABY SMELLS BAD

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- Believe it or not, in some cultures it's considered polite to tell a new mother her baby stinks. That's according to multicultural etiquette expert Norine Dresser, who says some Laotians consider it bad luck to compliment a new baby, so they often say the child smells like "poo-poo." The same belief is held by Hawaiians, who will often point out negative features on a newborn -- like an ugly nose or pointy ears -- just to keep the baby safe from spiteful gods. And here are two more etiquette tips from Dresser... -- Although Tibetans stick out their tongues at each other as a sign of respect, it's not polite for non-Tibetans to do the same. --It's also considered rude to address a gay couple getting married as the "bride" and "groom." Dresser discusses other rules of etiquette in her new book, "Multicultural Celebrations" (Crown).

CONTACT: Nadine Dresser, ***1/2; LA; (323) 663-7743; For review copies of book, call Ari Gersen; NYC; (212) 572-2253