🌍 Cultural habits- one sniff at a time?

In your culture, is it more acceptable to sniff or to blow your nose in public?

Recently, I was in the car with my German kids when my daughter, suffering from allergies, kept sniffing her nose. I offered her a tissue- she politely declined and continued sniffing. My German husband grew visibly irritated and said (quite directly): “Please blow your nose. That’s what we do around others.”

His reaction reminded me of how I was raised in Germany: sniffing was considered rude. We were taught to blow our noses properly, cleanly, and audibly if needed. A quick blow was seen as polite and hygienic- far preferable to continuous sniffing.

But after years of living and working in the U.S., I’ve observed a very different approach:
💡 Sniffing is often tolerated.
💡 Blowing your nose in public? Considered awkward or even impolite.
Many people here prefer to excuse themselves and do it in private.

It’s a small habit- but it reflects larger cultural values about hygiene, privacy, and even emotional restraint.

🌐 What about in your culture or country? How is this everyday behavior perceived where you are?
💡I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.