Etiquette you wish Americans knew?
913765
Honestly, the fact that you are asking the question in fear of offending only attests to the fact that the chances are slight that you WILL offend someone.  It's not that the Brits are anti-American, it's that they are anti-stupid-American.  They dislike arrogance, and are unused to people pouring out their life's story for anyone who will listen.  They are also very private, unlike American's, and do not appreciate invasive, private questions, i.e. about how much money one makes, etc.  In other words, etiquette that used to be considered commonplace here.  \n\nAnd as for the actual etiquette books, unless you are planning on having a number of parties, or will take tea with the queen, etiquette books are going to be useless.  As long as you can identify when someone else is uncomfortable, and you make an effort to rectify the situation, you will be fine.\n\nIt's very commendable that you are entering into a new culture with every intention to act correctly, and not offend anyone.  Oh, that everyone could feel as you do...
684238
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283133
im from australia and some people here think that most americans (not all) have very bad manners and are very disrespectful. we think that some americans are selfish and think their 'all that'. but i'm not saying all americans. australia is just the same, our society is going downhill.
499444
New yorker's aren't a-holes, we're just very direct and very fast, and tend to get annoyed when others don't keep up. not alot of time for social niceties in the city that never sleeps. We're polite, just NY polite, i.e., a nod of the head as a greeting, taking the hand of a little kid who is scared to cross from the platform to the train, holding a cab for somebody who wants it after you just got out. All done wordlessly with no eye contact and maybe a muttered "thanks". We don't have time to gush, recieve gushing appreciation, or even engage in small talk, but it is nonetheless, our version of politeness.
875361
Only subjects should bow/curstey to their own monarchs. If you are an American, a simple handshake is proper etiquette.
781476
For the cultures:\n\n  American - Go in and spend money.\n\n  Mexican - Hop fence.  Work at wal-mart.  Get free medical at\n     American expense.\n\n  Chinese - Have your 10 year olds make goods.  Sell to Americans.  Improve your economy for future defense building.
847401
Bring it to their attention, but be very polite. Anyone handling your food you don't want to tick off.
785203
just general politeness. Please and thank you or at least thanks when appropriate. Not talking about nasty, gross, or lewd things in front of mixed company. Office mainly just keep it light and professional...gossip to a minimum at least too. school, appropriate speak and dress for the age group...especially if you are a teacher. And at home just the general common sense.
795767
I assume you were looking for a serious answer....\n\nIreland is no different from any other Western country I have been to.  You place your napkin in your lap, you wait for your host or hostess to begin eating, you don't slurp your soup or belch or otherwise offend other diners. \n\nThe biggest difference between Ireland and the U.S. is the knife-and-fork-hand-switching thing. I don't think that represents a breach of etiquette, just a cultural difference. Hope this helps!
897706
It depends on the manners.\nBut mainly if yes if you want to keep your dignity.
406306
You shouldn't be nice to Americans, they're mostly stupid rude and lazy. Clever insults are more fun to read anyway. PS I'm American.
777267
Is this an Etiquette question?
552093
When you talk to someone (girl or guy) tell them that you are new here, and you just came here from (where ever).  Ask where the best places  are to eat, shop, hang out.  And, be yourself, Americans are really nice to foreigners if you are open and kind.  If you're snotty about where you are from and brag about how your country is better than the USA, then that will annoy people.\n\nA simple approach is "Hi!  I'm _____! Who are you?"  And take it from there.   ALways smile and be happy, everyone likes a friendly approachable person!\n\nGood luck, and welcome!  Hope you have fun here!\n\nPS- watch out for some of the guys, like anywhere, they all just want to get down your pants!
381833
Here's everything you need to know about flag etiquette. http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html
179856
I'm not too sure about some cultures, but to behave like an English lady: Wear skirts no shorter than knee length, always sit with your legs together, or crossed, always use good manners i.e. please and thank you etc, wait to be seated (a gentleman will pull out your chair for you to sit on), don't burp, don't fart, sit up straight, head up, shoulders back stomach in, chest out, laugh quietly, more of a polite chuckle than a laugh. (Hope this is of some help)
1072696
Okay, I'm from Australia and I lived in the USA for a while in 2003. I had to ask an American friend how the heck to respond correctly to this question too! My friend's advice was to say "Aww, not much, just ________" if you had something to say, or to reply with "Nuttin', sup wit'choo?" (meaning "Nothing, what's up with you?") if there was nothing going on... I hope that helps you!
335013
Isn't that the American way...