American Way of Life
You are leaving for the United States with your ESTA, and you are about to meet your host family or worse your new mother-in-law? Don’t stress, this guide is made for you and will help you prepare your trip to the USA. We don’t all have the manners of Madame de Rothschild, but we will help you successfully enter American society.
Everyday good manners
Americans are by nature polite and smiling. So don’t be surprised if strangers approach you to say hello, to ask how you are doing or to compliment you on the outfit you are wearing. These are purely polite formulas, so beware of misunderstandings, they do not necessarily want to engage in further conversation with you.
Important notion: the kiss
The kiss is not used in the United States, it is the “hug” that is de rigueur. The hug is a frank embrace between you and the person you are talking to. If you feel really comfortable, you can even give him a pat on the back! However, be careful not to stick your chest against the speaker’s chest, otherwise you may disconcert him! Respect its vital space, keep a distance of about 20 centimeters and everything will be fine.
Another common practice in the United States is to help others. You see an old lady carrying groceries that are twice her weight, a child stumbles right in front of you. Don’t wait and fly to their rescue. In the United States, help is spontaneously given to the most vulnerable. Be brave.
Another custom is that it is considered bad manners to walk past someone to “steal” their place. Whether you’re at the cash register or in the cab queue, be patient, your turn will come eventually.
Making a good impression at work
Your first day at work has finally arrived, and you want to be adopted as quickly as possible by your colleagues and superiors? Be open, smiling and polite.
In the workplace, it is customary to give a firm handshake to employees. Another good point for you is that in English there is no distinction between being on first-name terms and being on second-name terms. The “you” is always used, so you won’t make a mistake here.
When you go out with your team, the “dress code”, i.e. the outfit to wear for the occasion, will usually be mentioned. When it says “casual”, just wear a clean, casual outfit. If it’s a business meal, a suit is required for men, as well as a suit for women. On the other hand, if the invitation specifies “black tie”, it’s time to put on your best clothes: tuxedo for men and cocktail dresses for women.
Adopting the right attitude at a dinner party
You’ve been in the United States for a few days now, you’re doing your best to adapt; now it’s time for the first invitations.
In America, the 15-minute courtesy period does not apply. This custom of giving the hostess time to finish her beauty routine or the delicious food that is meant for you, could be understood in the US as rudeness. Just arrive on time or slightly early.
If dinner is scheduled at a restaurant, wait for a waiter to assign you a seat. Once the meal is over, you can ask to take the leftovers with you, which in the USA is called the “doggy bag”. No one will look at you outraged and that’s good news.
As for the bill, be sure to leave a tip of about 15% of the bill. Keep in mind that in the United States, it is common for servers to be paid in full with tips. So do not ignore this practice which is systematically applied by the Americans.
You are now ready to conquer the hearts of Americans. Here are our latest recommendations:
- no smoking in or near public places. This bad habit is frowned upon in the United States, as well as being ticketed by law enforcement officers.
- Avoid drinking alcohol more than is appropriate in public. Again, this conduct is perceived as totally inappropriate.