America is a land of laws and codices — always has and always will be. But on top of that, there are several unspoken customs about the American way of life that are worth noting.
Below are 15 unspoken rules that exist within American culture. So if you plan on taking a trip to the U.S. any time soon, make sure to brush up on your social etiquette .
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Never call an ambulance for someone without first asking their permission.
“Unless it is a clear and DIRE emergency, you ask someone if they need an ambulance before you call for one. It’s the most expensive taxi you will ever take and it can ruin most people financially for years.” – Reddit u/Scuzzball666
Tipping isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a requirement.
Reddit user AnneHathawaysPanties is quick to clarify that you typically only tip when dining in at a restaurant. However, this does not apply if you’re at a fast-food chain, like McDonald’s or Subway.
Don’t call football “American Football.”
Baseball may be America’s national sport, at least on paper, but real ones understand that football is more than a sport — it’s a religion. Also, on this side of the pond, we call “European Football” soccer.
Take off your shoes when you enter someone’s home.
It might seem strange to some, but leaving your shoes on in the house is considered extremely rude in America. Make sure to leave your muddy sneakers by the door, otherwise — you won’t be invited back.
There’s an etiquette to riding in an elevator.
“In the elevator with multiple people, everyone faces the door and doesn’t talk to anyone. it’s an awkward silence, especially if you’re a big guy around smaller women. the worst thing you could do is ask your elevator-mates how their day is.” – Reddit u/AntiLGBTcrusader
Politics is a more taboo topic of dinner conversation than religion.
Don’t hear what I’m not saying — it’s also a bad idea to bring up religion, too. But because politics have become so divisive and entrenched in American culture, it’s best to just steer clear.
There’s the American way and the wrong way of doing something.
Redditor fearedfurnacefighter says that Americans don’t care how you do things “back home” — they don’t even want to hear about how the American way is different than any other way or custom.
Don’t call your server over to the table when dining out.
Reddit user ClarkleTheDragon admits that calling your server over to your table is perfectly acceptable in many parts of the world. However, in America, this is considered to be incredibly rude and will usually result in your receiving poor service.
If you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go.
Going into a business or restaurant strictly to use the bathroom is permissible. No one is going to get angry at you and there is no such thing as a “pay toilet.” Be courteous, be kind, and you’ll almost always be allowed in.
“How are you?” is always a rhetorical question.
“When someone asks you how you are the answer is “good”, “great” or any variation thereof. It doesn’t matter if your husband just left you, your dog died and you have been diagnosed with cancer, nobody wants to actually know how you are.” – Reddit u/heidschibumbeidschi
Always leave a space at the urinal, if you’re able to do so.
There will undoubtedly be times when you’re forced to rub elbows with a complete stranger. But if you walk into an empty bathroom and there’s only one person standing at the urinal — do not stand directly beside them. And whatever you do, don’t make eye contact.
Personal space is a high-valued commodity.
Reddit user RubishBinJoe says that one thing Americans take pride in is their personal space. Don’t line up immediately behind someone, and don’t sit down next to a stranger on a bus unless you absolutely have to.
Hold the door open, within reason.
For this unspoken rule, I like to use a five-step diameter as a basis. Meaning that if someone is within five steps of the door, you wait and hold the door open for them. If not, then it’s acceptable to walk in alone.
Respect the line.
Reddit user AlfPogsMcDogs says that in parts of Europe, lines are viewed as more of a suggestion and can dissolve into an all-out free-for-all. Whatever you do, don’t try to pull that crap here. Just stand in a single file and wait your turn.
If you get pulled over by the police — stay in your vehicle.
“Stay in the car and let the officer come to you. If you need to reach for something like your license, tell the cop you are doing so before you do it.” – Reddit u/Aceandmace
h/t: Reddit
