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13 Examples Of Unspoken Social Etiquette In The United States That You May Not Have Realized Were Considered Weird In Other Countries
"You always leave a tip. Always. Even if the service was unsatisfactory, you show your displeasure by leaving a small tip. But still leave a tip."
As someone who grew up in the United States, I'll admit, the country's social etiquette would probably be very confusing to a visitor.
We've rounded up some of the most discussed topics, so you can agree or disagree with them for yourself.
Here are 13 unspoken social rules in the US that will make you think, "That's not normal in other countries?":
1. It is generally frowned upon to stare at strangers, or to make too much eye contact with someone you barely know.
"Don't stare at us, we don't like it. Even if you aren't staring at us specifically, just looking in our specific direction can still be weird. We typically make an effort to not spend a lot of time looking specifically at people, to the degree that we actively try to not even seem like we might be staring at someone. This does not seem to be a global thing." —Quantum-Connection
2. It is extremely rude to comment on somebody's weight.
"Don't comment on people's weight or size. In some countries, 'gordito' or similar, for example, might be considered an affectionate nickname. It's unlikely to be taken as anything other than rudeness here. Best not to say anything, even if you think what you're saying is a compliment. We know many foreigners think we're all fat. We know a lot of us are fat. You still shouldn't say anything. And don't point it out if you think someone is really skinny, either." —VeronicaMarsupial
3. Snapping your fingers at a waiter to ask for the check is a big no-no.
"Please don't ever snap your fingers to get a bill from a server at a restaurant. Ever. It's considered very rude. I know it's customary in some countries, so I mention it. If you need the bill, try to get your server's attention by looking directly at them and mouthing or slightly gesturing that you need the bill or need help at your table. They'll get there to your table as soon as they can and then you ask for the bill in person." —tracygee
5. In public settings, Americans are big on personal space.
"In public places and queues, Americans like personal space. Don't stand closer than about an arm's length away from the person in front of you in a queue, and if that person is using a cash machine, stay about 2 meters back from the person using the machine if you're next in line. If you're talking to strangers, don't get any closer than an arm's length." —adifferentvision
7. Most of the time, you can't haggle for prices, and you can't ask the cashier to take off tax.
"Tax is not factored into the price on the shelf, so don't argue with the cashier. They can't change the tax and in the extreme majority of cases, won't remove the tax." —BuckeyeKhanate
8. It is generally considered taboo to mention politics to someone you don't know well.
"Political topics are extremely charged in the US. Americans mostly do not talk about politics casually, and trying to get them to discuss it can be seen as an invasion of privacy." —SillyBlackSheep
9. Americans may invite you somewhere, but it is generally agreed upon that you should not show up somewhere unexpectedly.
"Americans might casually say, 'You should come over sometime! Just come over!' But they actually don't mean 'Just show up at my house anytime and ring the bell and come in for coffee/tea.' It's passively understood that you need to set up a specific date/time and shouldn't just 'drop by' expecting coffee or a meal." —jmochicago
10. It is rude to ask how much money someone makes, or how old someone is.
"It's considered impolite to ask someone's income in the course of casual getting-to-know-you conversation. Asking asking adults their ages is also viewed a bit askance." —fromwayuphigh
11. When someone asks, "how are you?" no one is actually expecting you to answer honestly.
"'How are you doing?' is answered with 'good,' 'great,' or 'fine' followed by 'and you?.' Nobody expects the real answer or an explanation of how they really are, it's a courtesy. If you try to give a real answer, people won't know how to react." —IamREBELoe
12. Not finishing your meal at a restaurant is completely normal, and it is okay to ask for a to-go box.
13. You should always tip, even if you thought the service was bad.
"I constantly have to explain to visitors that you always leave a tip. Always. Even if the service was unsatisfactory, you show your displeasure by leaving a small tip. But still leave a tip." —notthegoatseguy
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