Personal Habits and Courtesy Of Americans

Just as a values and traits differ somewhat from one culture to another so do the personal habits associated with good manners and courtesy. While very often there does not seem to be any particular reason WHY a paticular way of doing something is considered good manners, observing these cultural rules will make Americans comfortable with you and therefore  you with them. It is of course imposibble to cover all the possibilities here. If you are unsure in a situation just ask ; Americans like to be helpful.

• Queing up or lining is essential. There will be lots of lines especially during the first few weeks of classes. Courtesy requires that you not push from behind, stand next to the person being helped or cut into a line
• Toilets are reffered to as bathrooms, rest rooms or men's or ladies' rooms, never as toilets.
• There are no drains at the sides of the street. Amercans blow their noses into a handkerchief. Spitting, clearing phlegm or shiffing as from a cold are considered rude.
• Americans are generally hold their fork in the right hand  when eating. When using the knife, the fork is held in the left hand.
• It is considered poor manners to slurp, chew noisily or open your mouth while chewing .
• Questions are seen as good way of getting acquainted, but questions about a person's financial affairs, cost of clothing or pesonal belonging religious affiliations and sex life are considered too personal for questioning except between very close friends.
• Men generally do not hold hands or link arms in public with other men. This is somewhat more acceptable between man and women.