American Social Customs

As you prepare for your arrival, understanding American social customs and etiquette is essential. This knowledge will help you navigate social interactions smoothly and avoid any misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations.

Greetings

 When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to offer a firm handshake. After the initial greeting, however, Americans generally do not shake hands in subsequent meetings. A verbal greeting is usually sufficient. Hugs are typically reserved for close friends and are acceptable between both men and women in these circumstances.

Addressing Someone

In the U.S., it is common to use first names, even in professional settings, once introduced. If someone introduces themselves by their first name, it is appropriate to address them by their first name. However, if you are uncertain or the individual holds a high position, it鈥檚 respectful to use their title.

When interacting with university instructors, it is best to address them as 鈥淒octor鈥 or 鈥淧rofessor鈥 unless they specifically invite you to use a different title or their first name.

In formal settings, adults are generally addressed with Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Miss before their last name. "Mr." is used for men, while "Ms." is widely used for women, regardless of their marital status. "Mrs." is typically reserved for married women, and "Miss" is used for young or unmarried women. However, "Ms." is often the preferred and safest choice unless a woman specifies otherwise.

Conversation Interruption

Interrupting someone while they鈥檙e speaking is generally considered impolite in the U.S. Americans tend to view frequent interruptions as rude, and this can make the other person feel disrespected. If you wish to speak, it鈥檚 polite to wait for a pause or for the person to acknowledge you.

Eye Contact

Maintaining eye contact during conversation is a sign of respect and attentiveness in American culture. However, be mindful not to stare, as this can make others uncomfortable. Avoiding eye contact can be seen as inattentiveness or disinterest.

Personal Space

Personal space is highly valued in the U.S. and refers to the physical area around a person that they consider their own. Encroaching upon this space can feel threatening or uncomfortable to others. While the exact distance can vary between individuals, it鈥檚 generally polite to maintain at least an arm鈥檚 length between you and others during conversation.

Touching

Respect personal boundaries and always obtain consent before touching others. Unwanted touching is considered a form of sexual harassment and should be avoided. Public displays of affection, such as holding hands and hugging, are generally considered acceptable within certain limits. However, romantic kissing may not be appropriate in all situations and should be approached with discretion.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person's job, pay, career or educational opportunity, or;
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or educational decisions affecting that individual, or;
  • Such conduct has the purpose or necessary effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive working or learning environment.

Sexual misconduct is an egregious form of sexual harassment. Examples include but are not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, cyber-bullying, bullying, hazing, sexual exploitation, nonconsensual sexual contact and nonconsensual sexual intercourse.

Time

Americans place high importance on punctuality. Being on time is considered essential in business, at the university, and in social settings. Arriving late is often seen as rude or unprofessional. If you anticipate being late to an appointment or engagement, it鈥檚 courteous to inform the other party in advance.

Personal Hygiene

Maintaining good personal hygiene is highly valued in American culture. This means showering regularly, using deodorant, brushing your teeth, and cleaning your laundry regularly.

Telephone Etiquette

When you call someone on the telephone, you should say, 鈥淗ello, this is (your name). May I speak to Mr. /Mrs. / Ms. (name) please?鈥 When answering the telephone, simply say, 鈥淗ello, this is (your name).鈥 You should not call before 9 a.m. or after 10 p.m. If the person you are calling doesn't answer, leave a message with your name and phone number so they can return your call.

Tipping

In American restaurants tips are not typically included in the bill unless the party is large, in which case a mandatory tip (or "gratuity") may be added. It is customary to tip restaurant servers around 15% of the total bill. If service is exceptionally good, a 20% tip is reasonable. Tipping is important in the U.S. as it constitute a major portion of servers鈥 wages.

Tipping is also common in other service industries. For example, it is customary to tip taxi and rideshare drivers, bellhops, hotel porters, barbers, hairdressers, and beauticians. In general, if someone provides a personal service, a tip is a way to show appreciation for their work.