etiquette--what's that?

more >> being on time, making reservations, shaking hands, saying thank you, waiting in line, elderly and handicapped, noisy children, giving gifts, personal space, dinner/social parties, table manners, small talk, dining don'ts, being a gentleman, tipping

We can define etiquette as a code that governs the expectations of social behavior; in other words, what manners and actions people expect from us in social situations. Conforming to the accepted standards of behavior can communicate respect and appreciation. Likewise, when we fail to comply with accepted standards of behavior, we run the risk of hurting feelings, or causing embarrassment, disgrace and/or misunderstandings.

What one culture considers polite, another might deem rude because accepted standards of behavior develop differently in various cultures. Knowing the expectations can help you avoid awkwardness in your interactions with Americans.