Different countries around the world have different ways of expressing certain sentiments that are socially acceptable by that country's standards. What may be considered a compliment in some areas of the world could actually be a slight in others. Here is a look at American etiquette and customs for potential visitors to be aware of during their visit.
You don't have to wait to be introduced to somebody in America in order to speak to them. All you really need to do is say "Hello" and smile or offer your hand for a handshake. This is quite an informal gesture, but don't be alarmed because it is actually quite normal to do this.
Punctuality is a big deal in this society. People generally plan their schedules around how they will spend their time and being late for a meeting or appointment is generally frowned upon. Showing up on time shows others that one is reliable and dependable, which are very good traits to have.
For social gatherings, being on time comes with a small margin of leeway. For example, if invited to an affair at someone's house, a guest should always be within 10 minutes of the stated time of arrival. In a bigger social setting with more people, it is fine to arrive within half an hour of the event start time.
When visiting someone's home, it is generally a good idea to arrive with a small gift as a token of appreciation for the invitation. This could be as simple as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers for the hostess. For a dinner at someone's home, the family-style way of eating is the norm, meaning food is served in larges dishes that guests can pass around the dinner table to take from.
Don't feel like you must go back for more food. You can say no to any offers of seconds or a drink top up without having to explain yourself. You should, however, always leave back some food in your plate at the end of a meal so that you do not look too greedy.
At a dinner table, the guests should be seated when invited to do so by the hostess. Napkins should be placed in one's lap as soon as they are seated. Mingling and making small talk with other guests is encouraged. Most individuals refer to one another on a first name basis, with the exception of nobility or royalty.
You don't have to be too concerned about the manner in which you eat in the States, because there are so many different kinds of foods. However, most times it is best to hold the fork in your right hand, unless you need it to cut or spread anything with a knife. You can sometimes use your hands to eat. If you want to show that you are done with your plate, rest the knife and fork side by side on it. To show that you haven't yet finished, cross them in an X.
You don't have to wait to be introduced to somebody in America in order to speak to them. All you really need to do is say "Hello" and smile or offer your hand for a handshake. This is quite an informal gesture, but don't be alarmed because it is actually quite normal to do this.
Punctuality is a big deal in this society. People generally plan their schedules around how they will spend their time and being late for a meeting or appointment is generally frowned upon. Showing up on time shows others that one is reliable and dependable, which are very good traits to have.
For social gatherings, being on time comes with a small margin of leeway. For example, if invited to an affair at someone's house, a guest should always be within 10 minutes of the stated time of arrival. In a bigger social setting with more people, it is fine to arrive within half an hour of the event start time.
When visiting someone's home, it is generally a good idea to arrive with a small gift as a token of appreciation for the invitation. This could be as simple as a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers for the hostess. For a dinner at someone's home, the family-style way of eating is the norm, meaning food is served in larges dishes that guests can pass around the dinner table to take from.
Don't feel like you must go back for more food. You can say no to any offers of seconds or a drink top up without having to explain yourself. You should, however, always leave back some food in your plate at the end of a meal so that you do not look too greedy.
At a dinner table, the guests should be seated when invited to do so by the hostess. Napkins should be placed in one's lap as soon as they are seated. Mingling and making small talk with other guests is encouraged. Most individuals refer to one another on a first name basis, with the exception of nobility or royalty.
You don't have to be too concerned about the manner in which you eat in the States, because there are so many different kinds of foods. However, most times it is best to hold the fork in your right hand, unless you need it to cut or spread anything with a knife. You can sometimes use your hands to eat. If you want to show that you are done with your plate, rest the knife and fork side by side on it. To show that you haven't yet finished, cross them in an X.
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Learn the American etiquette and customs when you take the time to review our informative posts. Here is the web page that contains useful tips on how to demonstrate good manners in public at http://americangoodmanners.com.
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