1. Everyday Life in America Matuzov E., tpl1-06-01

2. Every country has different everyday ways. To get to know Americans, it pays to know certain mannerisms and habits most Americans share.

3. Greetings Americans shake hands firmly with each other when first introduced, or when they meet again, but rarely when they part (a more European custom). Social kissing, as a greeting, is also sometimes acceptable between men and women who know each other well and between women. American men rarely embrace each other or kiss on both cheeks.

4. Distance and Eye Contact Distance and Eye Contact. When two Americans are standing and talking to each other they stay at least 16 inches away from each other, yet they do make eye contact.

5. Etiquette and Behavior

6. If you meet someone you know on the street while you are with someone else, it is polite to introduce the people to each other.

7. Foreign Languages If you are with a group of mainly English-speaking people and the conversation is going on in English, it is not polite to speak in your own or another foreign language for more than a few sentences. Whatever language you speak in, try to avoid swear words. Of course, you should avoid “dirty,” “off-color,” or sexually explicit stories or jokes.

8. If you are in a movie theater or at a concert or play, it is never polite to talk during the performance, even in a whisper.

9. Being on Time Americans place a high value on punctuality. If you make plans with someone, you should be there when you say you will. Three to five minutes early is even better, because it shows that you are really looking forward to spending time with the other person.

10. Formal and Informal Events Social events and parties can pose bewildering problems for Americans and foreigners alike. You'll have to determine how formal the party or event is, what kind of food or drink will be served, whether or not a gift is expected, and, if so, what type of gift is appropriate.

11. For some people and in some regions, “informal” means blue jeans and T-shirts. For some others, it can mean sports jackets and ties. It pays to ask specific questions about how you should dress when someone invites you (“Do I need to wear a dress? The phrase “formal” (also referred to as “Black Tie”) means tuxedos for men and evening dresses for women.

12. Bringing Gifts If you are invited to someone's home for dinner, you may bring a small gift like a bottle of wine, candy or flowers. If there is no special occasion, a very expensive gift might embarrass the host or hostess.

13. Bringing Refreshments Some parties are “pot luck” or “covered dish” affairs. The idea is that everybody brings something. Sometimes the person giving the party will assign various types of food (breads, dessert) to different people to assure a variety. If a party is given on a B.Y.O.B. basis (it means “bring your own bottle”) you'll be expected to bring a beverage, often alcoholic.

14. Entertaining Outside Americans like to entertain outside in good weather, either in back-yard barbecues or at picnics. For any get- together, it is perfectly polite to ask “May I bring something?” Even if they say “no”, bring something tasteful like a delicacy or a fine candy.

15. Celebrations Should you be asked to someone's birthday, retirement or graduation celebration, just ask if gifts are going to be given to the person honored. Again, even if the answer is “no” you can bring something small and tasteful. When Americans give gifts, they often enclose a signed gift card.

16. When You Entertain When you entertain Americans in your own home, treat them as they would treat you. Offer them something to eat or drink. Offer to take their coats and hang them up somewhere properly and neatly. Take them on a short tour of your home.

17. Cellular Phone Etiquette Please keep in mind that it is not considered polite in America to carry on a long conversation on a cellular phone while seated in a restaurant or other area in which people are trying to converse quietly. You may, of course, see (and hear) other people doing exactly that, but this is no reason for you to be impolite.

18. Accepting Compliments If someone pays you a compliment, do not protest or deny the truth of the statement (as is required in many other cultures). Accept the compliment graciously and with thanks.