20 Tips on etiquette in America

Americans are generally low-key. Consequently, they usually don’t take offense at minor manners mistakes. Here are 20 tips:

1. Adults and youth: Although some youth disrespect others, including those older than themselves, most youth at least listen to, if not comply with, adults’ requests or admonitions. However, in contrast to Asian cultures, American youth do not revere their elders.
2. Men and women: Men, especially middle-aged and older males, are somewhat more courteous to women than other males. For example, older American men will often open or even hold the door for women or seat females before they seat themselves.
3. White and black/Hispanic/Asian/other: Whether through their actions or speech, most Americans do not overtly discriminate against blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and others. But, more subtle forms of discrimination—a non-white isn’t invited to a party—can exist.
4. Being on time: Most Americans arrive—more or less—on time and expect others to do so as well. Americans don’t follow a more European notion of arriving “fashionably late.”
5. Waiting: Even if they have to wait in a line for a period of time, most Americans won’t push and shove to get ahead. Of course, in contrast to some places around the world, lines in America usually aren’t that long.
6. Dining: Unless Americans live in inner city slums OR are eating fast food (for example, from McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or Pizza Hut), they use and expect others to use implements, like knives and forks. Chopsticks are acceptable in Asian restaurants.
7. Apologizing: If they commit a “faux pas” (French for small mistake)—for example, they arrive late—most Americans will apologize for their behavior, and others will accept their apologies.
8. Thanking: Many Americans will “thank you” for both small and large things you do for them. For example, if you hold the door open for someone, that person will probably thank you.
9. Saying please: Like “thank you,”Americans often say “please” even for small things. For example, if a waitress asks you if you’d like more coffee, you might reply, “Yes, please.”
10. Giving compliments: Generally, American like receiving compliments. If, for example, an American is studying Chinese and manages to say a few words, he’ll happily accept your compliment that his Chinese is good or progressing quickly—even if it really isn’t.
11. Standing when you meet someone and when you greet someone: This is especially true when you meet or speak with an older person or VIP.
12. Shaking hands: When Americans meet someone that don’t know, they shake hands with that individual. Even if they already know each other, if Americans haven’t seen each other for some period of time (e.g., days, weeks, months, or years), they also shake hands. 
13. Holding door for the person who follows you: If possible, don’t let the door slam on someone who’s following behind you.
14. Allowing someone to get off elevator: If a person has reached his floor and says “I need to get out.” or “Excuse me.”, you should allow this person to get off.
15. Helping someone put on his or her coat: Often, men will help women put on their coats. But, a woman usually doesn’t help a man put on his coat.
16. Paying for a meal: If you’ve invited someone out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you should pay or “pick up the tab” (check). In other words, the meal should be “on you.”
17. Offering to help someone carry something: However, if you don’t know this individual and this person declines your offer of help, accept this person’s decision and move on.
18. Kissing: Doing so is acceptable when meeting up with friends and family, but it’s often not acceptable in business.
19. Looking but not staring: Doing so is especially important if someone is handicapped or ill. Also if you’re with your spouse or significant other, don’t gawk (stare stupidly) at other women or men.
20. Respecting others: Someone who routinely puts others down is seen as rude, even insecure.