Americans are friendly people
Americans are friendly people. When you meet each other for
the first time, it is common to shake hands after self-introductions. In small
villages, you are expected to greet people even if they are strangers and start
a conversation with each other after.
When you meet relatives or friends you haven’t seen for a
while, it is appropriate to kiss each other on the cheek. It is common for
women to kiss each other or kiss a man, but men almost never kiss each other on
the cheek.
When you eat out in a restaurant, waiters and waitresses
usually introduce themselves and say their name before the customers take your
order. As they are having their meal, the waiter or waitress checks if
everything is all right, and if they need anything else. After the meal, when
the customers leave, the waiter or waitress wishes them to “have a nice day” or
to “take care”.
When you visit someone, it is the custom to bring some
flowers or something to drink, like a bottle of wine, or something for dessert,
like fruits or cake. Americans often have a “pot luck” dinner when guests bring
something to eat, after checking with the hosts. The hosts may ask the guests
to bring a salad or a dessert.
When you want to visit someone, it is the custom to call first
and ask if it is OK to come over. This means that you are not supposed to come
anytime or to drop by at every hour. Do not call too early in the morning
because people may be still sleeping. It is polite to ask when the best time to
call is if you want to call a friend or a relative because people have
different schedules. Some Americans are interested in working two or three jobs
a day, and they may not be available for a phone call unless you ask them the
best time to call them.
Over to you:
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What are Americans like?
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How do they greet each other when they first
meet?
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Are waiters and waitresses friendly in your
country? Why do you think so?
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Have you ever had “pot luck” dinner or lunch? Talk
about it.
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Is it acceptable to drop by at any time if you
want to visit your friends or relatives?