Manners
Manners and etiquette
.Importance of Good Manners
“With Americans, anything goes.” It seems that Americans are quite casual and don’t care much about their behaviors. Most Americans attitudes about good manners relate to showing respect and consideration for others. They believe that all people are entitled to equal opportunity and respect. So no one is privileged and no one is worthless. A person who acts in a humble and timid way will make his/her friends feel quite uncomfortable. On the other hand, an aggressive and dominating person will have trouble keeping American friends. A well mannered person does not intrude into other’s private space. Most Americans dislike coming into physical contact with strangers and an accidental touch requires an apology. Strangers should avoid eye contact because staring is considered an invasion of privacy. When meeting people you know, you are expected to greet them briefly and informally by saying “hi” “hello”，and “how are you”. Actually if a person says “how are you” to you, he doesn’t want to know your physical condition, but only wants to show his politeness. This is quite similar to what we Chinese traditionally mean when one is asked “have you eaten yet？”
Don’t be nosy. People everywhere like to talk about themselves. Friendly concerns and interest are necessary and are considered to be quite good manners if some extremely personal information concerning one’s age, weight, income, religious beliefs, or the cost of valuable possessions (houses, cars, jewelry) could be avoided. Asking these questions are considered insult or nosy. It is safe to talk about a person’s profession, and the question usually begins with “what do you do?”
Punctuality .Being on time is very important especially in the work place. Being late means you don’t value other’s time. You have to make an apology if you are late with a valid reason, such as traffic, bad weather or a family emergency.
Don’t smoke without permission. Nonsmokers don’t like
.Importance of Good Manners
“With Americans, anything goes.” It seems that Americans are quite casual and don’t care much about their behaviors. Most Americans attitudes about good manners relate to showing respect and consideration for others. They believe that all people are entitled to equal opportunity and respect. So no one is privileged and no one is worthless. A person who acts in a humble and timid way will make his/her friends feel quite uncomfortable. On the other hand, an aggressive and dominating person will have trouble keeping American friends. A well mannered person does not intrude into other’s private space. Most Americans dislike coming into physical contact with strangers and an accidental touch requires an apology. Strangers should avoid eye contact because staring is considered an invasion of privacy. When meeting people you know, you are expected to greet them briefly and informally by saying “hi” “hello”，and “how are you”. Actually if a person says “how are you” to you, he doesn’t want to know your physical condition, but only wants to show his politeness. This is quite similar to what we Chinese traditionally mean when one is asked “have you eaten yet？”
Don’t be nosy. People everywhere like to talk about themselves. Friendly concerns and interest are necessary and are considered to be quite good manners if some extremely personal information concerning one’s age, weight, income, religious beliefs, or the cost of valuable possessions (houses, cars, jewelry) could be avoided. Asking these questions are considered insult or nosy. It is safe to talk about a person’s profession, and the question usually begins with “what do you do?”
Punctuality .Being on time is very important especially in the work place. Being late means you don’t value other’s time. You have to make an apology if you are late with a valid reason, such as traffic, bad weather or a family emergency.
Don’t smoke without permission. Nonsmokers don’t like