When Americans
are introduced for the first time, they usually shake hands. When they meet friends or
relatives they haven't seen for a while, they sometimes kiss them on the cheek. It is
common for two women or a man and a woman to kiss in this way but men almost never kiss
each other on the cheek.
America is a friendly country. In small towns people say
"hello" to friends and strangers in the street. Even in cities, strangers may
start up a conversation. Waiters in restaurants will often introduce themselves by name,
and talk with customers as they serve them. When the customers leave, they will tell them
to "take care" or "have a nice day”. Sometimes foreigners feel Americans
are too friendly. People that you have only just met may ask you personal questions or
tell you all about themselves.
Social life is often hectic in America. Parties, bridge, bowling and
golf clubs, volunteer work for charitable purposes, music lessons, baseball, games, etc.,
always keep the family busy.
Many people take a bottle of wine or some flowers when they are invited
to dinner at someone's home. At a "pot luck" dinner, all the guests bring
something to eat. You should ask your hosts what kind of food they would like you to
bring. Usually it is a salad, vegetables, or a dessert. When you are invited to dinner, it
is usual to arrive ten or fifteen minutes late. This gives the hosts time to finish their
preparations.
Americans love to get together and to have parties. Traditional party occasions are a
birthday, a wedding, New Year's Eve, and the Fourth of July. "Bridal showers"
are for women who are getting married, and "baby showers" are for women who have
just had a baby. All the guests bring a useful present for the new home or the new baby.
In the U.S.A. there are not too many ”rules" for different
social occasions. Americans like to relax and enjoy themselves, and most social occasions
are informal. So maybe the best advice is to relax, smile, and enjoy yourself too!
At home, the family usually gathers in the evening, but it is not
uncommon to eat the evening meal in front of the television - packaged 3-course frozen
meals called TV dinners.
Shopping is usually done once a week at the local supermarket. Paying
by check ("cheque" in British English) is quite common.
