In America, we follow all sorts of unspoken rules and daily habits that might seem a bit odd to visitors. Here are 10 of them.
Customization
Unlike many other countries, restaurants in America often don’t mind customizing the food to the customer’s preferences.
Want extra bacon on your burger? No onions on your salad? Dressing on the side? Just let your server know, they’re usually happy to accommodate. Having such flexibility is an important part of dining out here & it shows that you know what you like.
Small Talk
Here in America, it’s quite common to start chatting with people you don’t know and it really doesn’t matter if you’re waiting in line at the coffee shop or sharing an elevator.
It’s a rule to speak about local sports teams or something in the news. These moments of friendly small talk make everyday moments more enjoyable. Of course, if you’re not used to it, it might seem unusual. But trust us, it’s completely harmless.
Cold Drinks
Speaking of restaurants, whenever you order a drink at an American restaurant, chances are it’ll come filled to the brim with ice.
You don’t need to ask for it! This is just the standard way drinks are served here so you’ll often have to opt out of having ice as opposed to requesting it. We’re not huge fans of hot drinks.
Greeting
When Americans say “How are you?” they’re usually just saying hello & it’s a greeting that doesn’t always require a detailed response.
A quick “I’m good, thanks! How about you?” is usually enough. In other countries, such a question might throw people off-guard because they’re expecting to go into a lot of detail. But you should keep it short and light here.
Space
Us Americans really value personal space, so when you’re waiting in line, it’s normal to leave some room between you and the person in front of you. About an arm’s length is common.
Most people here feel uncomfortable or threatened by people standing too close to them.
Punctuality
In America, showing up on time means you’re late. We expect that you’ll arrive slightly earlier than when you said you would and being late, even by just 10 or 15 minutes, is disrespectful.
By following those rules, you’ll show other people that you value their time. It makes them know you’re dependable whether it’s a casual get-together or a job interview.
Shoes
In many American homes, it’s acceptable to keep your shoes on when you go inside, unless there’s a stack of shoes by the door or your host asks you to take them off. That’s quite different from some cultures.
Of course, if your shoes are muddy or wet, definitely take them off but otherwise, it’s usually fine.
Respect
At sporting events and other gatherings, it’s standard to stand up & take off your hat when they play the national anthem. It’s a sign of respect & unity.
Everyone, whether that’s the players on the field or the fans in the stands, participates. Not doing so is a huge social faux pas. This is a time to honor our great nation.
Tipping
When you’re at a bar in America, it’s standard to tip the bartender one dollar for each drink they serve you. We expect you to leave a buck on the bar.
In doing so, you’ll make sure that you get good service throughout the evening, plus most bartenders rely on that additional income for survival.
Restrooms
When we are in a public area, we expect free access to public restrooms. This is quite different from places in Europe.
In America, we have an unwritten rule of convenience for both locals & travelers alike. You shouldn’t need to pay a fee to use the facilities in America.
