Traditionally, people in western countries have a complex set of meeting etiquette, from shaking hands and greeting to introducing each other. In contrast, Americans are more casual in interpersonal communication. In America, friends usually greet each other with "hello" without any ceremony. Even if two people meet for the first time, they don't necessarily shake hands. Just smile, say hello and call them by their first names to show your love.

But in formal occasions, people should pay attention to etiquette. Shaking hands is the most common greeting. In the United States, when shaking hands, the woman between men and women holds out her hand first. A man should not hold a woman's hand too tightly. If the other person has no intention of shaking hands, the man can only nod and bow. Between the young and the old, the old reach out first; Between the superior and the subordinate, the superior reaches out first; Between the host and the guest, the host reaches out first.

When shaking hands, look at each other and pinch off the gloves. If you can't take off your gloves for some reason, you must explain the reason and apologize to the other party. It should also be noted that people should not cross their hands for a long time, and women should not shake hands when they meet. Just like the order of shaking hands, when introducing two people, you should first introduce the man to the woman, the young to the old, and the low status to the high status.

(2) Give up the surname at will.

Most Americans don't like to use such addresses as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. They think they are too serious. American men, women and children like to be called by their first names and think it is a symbol of kindness and friendliness.

When people meet for the first time, they often introduce each other by their first and last names, for example, "My name is Mary Smith." At this time, the other party can call her "Mary" or "Miss Smith" at will. It is common for people to address each other by their surnames at the beginning of a conversation and change their names later.

Sometimes you just meet an American and don't know what to call him. You can just call him Mr. or Ms., and the other person will soon understand your mind. Tell him enthusiastically, "My name is james wilson. Call me James. " Or "Don't call me Mrs. Smith, just call me Sally".

Indeed, Americans, regardless of their position or age, always try to call each other by their first names to shorten the distance between them. An American publication once conducted a survey on 150 industrial and commercial address, and found that 85% people only call themselves by their first names.

Americans seldom use formal titles to address others. Official titles are generally only used for judges, senior government officials, military officers, doctors, professors and senior religious figures. For example: Judge Harry, Senator Smith, General Clark, Dr. Brown, Professor Green, Bishop White, etc. It is worth noting that Americans never use administrative titles such as directors, managers and principals to address others.

(3) Talking with people about Mo Wen's private affairs.

In American society, everyone's actions are individual-centered, and personal interests are inviolable. This principle permeates all aspects of social life. People talk everyday and don't like to involve personal matters. Some questions are even taboo for them, such as age, marital status, income, religious belief, who to vote for in the election, etc. This is very presumptuous and rude.

America never asks how much money others buy. See others go out or come back. Or ask, "Where are you from?" Or "Where to?" As for the number of people, it is even worse to ask casually. Anyone who wants to ask these questions will be disgusted. Americans often use "prying into other people's private lives" to express their contempt for asking questions.

It is worth mentioning that Americans have very different views on age from us. In China, the elderly are respected, but in the United States, it is "old pearls are worthless." Therefore, in America, the elderly never like being complimented on their age. Once, international students from China held a grand gathering in a city in the midwest of the United States, and the guests were like clouds. The president of a famous local university and his mother also participated in the activity. The foreign students said in their welcome speech: "The appearance of the old lady made all our classmates feel honored." The word "Lao" is an honorific title in China, but it touched the old lady. At that time, her face suddenly changed, and she was embarrassed. Since then, she has never appeared at the gathering of foreign students in China.

Americans are also very particular about "personal space". Don't stand too close when talking to Americans. It is generally advisable to keep it outside 50 cm. Whenever you go to a restaurant or a library, you should try to keep a certain distance from others. When you have to sit at the same table or next to others, you'd better say hello and ask, "May I sit here?" Don't sit down until you get permission.

(d) Women are preferred in social occasions.

What is the status of American women in social and political life, not to mention here. But in social situations, they always get special treatment. Respecting women is a traditional custom in European and American countries, which is influenced by the chivalry of medieval Europe from a historical perspective. From a religious point of view, it is out of respect for the virgin Mary.

According to American custom, in social occasions, men should be humble and love women everywhere. When walking, men should walk on the side near the road; When seated, please ask the woman to sit down first; Get on and off the elevator and let the woman walk in front; When entering the door, the man should open the door first and invite the woman in. But when you get off the bus and go downstairs, the man should walk in front to take care of the lady; When entering restaurants and theaters, men can walk in front and find good seats for women; When eating, ask the woman to order first; When greeting women, men should stand up, women don't have to stand up, just sit and nod; When men and women shake hands, men must take off their gloves, but women don't. A woman's things fall on the ground, and a man should help her pick them up whether he knows them or not.

In short, when American men contact women in social communication, on the one hand, they respect women in everything, on the other hand, they should appear as protectors everywhere to show their status.

(5) The more polite the expression, the better.

Many people who have been to America have the impression that Americans have a sweet mouth and are never stingy with nice words, which often makes listeners feel very comfortable. Indeed, in America, "please", "thank you" and "sorry" can be seen everywhere.

In America, everyone will say "thank you" when getting help from others, even the president. In shopping malls, salespeople always smile. When customers come in, they will take the initiative to meet them and ask, "Can I help you?" When customers pay, they will smile and thank them. Finally, I will send you a thank you. Similarly, customers will repeatedly thank them for receiving the goods.

Americans are always polite to each other, not only between husband and wife, but also when talking to children, they use "please" and "thank you". In this way, children naturally develop a good habit of being polite.

Americans are also used to saying "I'm sorry" to others. When there is a little friction between people, saying "I'm sorry" often makes the bad feeling disappear. Even if they encounter some trivial things, such as asking for directions, walking past other people's seats in the theater, and so on, Americans will apologize again and again. Americans think it is impolite to burp in public, or sneeze or cough when talking to others. In this case, they will say "I'm sorry" and ask for forgiveness.