Why do Czechs look so serious all the time? Don’t worry. They’re not mad at you. It’s just Czech stoicism: the art of being calmly realistic, quietly sarcastic, and deeply genuine. Learn why Czechs don’t do small talk, why their friendships last forever, and how to smile less but mean it more.

You’ve survived the řízek and the koláč but now comes the real challenge: Czech small talk. Learn which dinner topics are safe, which ones to avoid, and how to win your Czech family’s heart with humor (and good manners).