13 THINGS AMERICANS THINK ARE BAD MANNERS! - Brit Reacts

[@VirginiaHarrington-u3k]

Our attitude toward most things, not just food, is have it your way and I'll have it my way.

[@lynnw7155]

"The way that it was made is the way they wanted me to eat it" Huh? How about the way YOU want to eat it? My partner likes things saltier than I do, but when he cooks he uses less salt and adds more salt to his plate.

[@katiefountain2407]

Yeah, the other way just sounds like a bunch of control fruits.

[@devonbell6795]

America has so many cultures and food types that it’s generally not considered rude to season to taste.

[@jimmyb.6272]

That’s why salt and pepper and ketchup are usually already sitting on the table at most restaurants. We season our food the way we like it, and that doesn’t mean anything was wrong with the food as it comes. It’s never an insult to season or sauce your food the way you like it….with maybe the exception of people who think ketchup should never ever be put on a hot dog. 😂

[@dner75-xh9le]

Ooh...borderline contentious. Never ketchup. Hot sauce or go home :)

[@CHARLAAYYY]

​@dner75-xh9le would it be weird if I said I only put ranch on my hotdogs? 🫣

[@catw6998]

So, I’ve heard from Clint Eastwood :p. That’s his and other people’s opinions.

[@catw6998]

I’m a big fan of crushed peppercorn and various dipping sauces. I really like sweet Baby Ray’s Secret Sauce for onion rings.

[@catw6998]

I don’t think I’d open a gift if there is other company in the house.

[@cv8167]

To me, when you give someone a gift and they just set it aside, it kinda says 'I don't care about this' to me.

[@shelaughs185]

That's regional and depends on the occasion. My husband's cousin moved from SW Virginia to Connecticut, was invited to a dinner party and brought a pie. She wasn't asked to bring anything, so the hostess figured it was a hostess gift and put it aside instead of serving it with dessert. The cousin was so offended, but I (a Northerner) asked if she'd been asked to bring a dessert. No. Then it's not a pot luck or family gathering. It's more like a dinner party, I explained. If someone gives me a gift in a group of 3 or more, I'll put it aside unless they insist that I open it. Don't want to make the others uncomfortable and think they should have brought something.

[@Stephaney-s1h]

Yes, me too. Like it's not important and is just brushed aside

[@lynnw7155]

Yes, Americans like to see a person's reaction to a gift.

[@clairruckman7674]

Until my Egyptian Arabic Professor explained it to me when after my required language classes for my degree we met up for lunch. As someone who HATES opening gifts in front of people, because I worry I won't give someone the reaction they want, and I don't want to hurt their feelings. I HATE opening gifts, so really wish this one we could change. So stressful opening gifts.

[@billolsen4360]

Know what you mean, unless it's something like when about 16 of us showed up at my pastor's for a housewarming party and we all had one gift to hand over.

[@loriharris8928]

I like tipping. Like the narrator said, I view it as gratitude for good service. My problem is when they "force" you by making it mandatory.

[@geofftottenperthcoys9944]

If they were paid properly, tipping would not be a thing though.

[@carlbeaver7112]

@@geofftottenperthcoys9944 If you could count on them to provide good service without tipping them I would agree. Tipping pretty much assures better performance without having to interrupt your evening by verbally chastising the server or involving the management. Face it, if we weren't tipping the same amount of money, or more, would be added into the price of the meal.

[@Amy-zr5mn]

@@geofftottenperthcoys9944 Not necessarily. There are people who are paid properly, and are still sometimes given tips for exceptional service.

[@d.wayneharbison8691]

Or that entitled video someone recently released saying that if you can't afford to tip 30%, you can't afford to eat out. I tip 15% as it is standard. 20-25% if the service or food was extraordinary or if we made life difficult for the wait staff with a large number of special requests. But don't tell me that I can't eat out just because I don't want to pay for your iPhone 15 and college loans in one sitting.

[@donnapauley8183]

If I saw that in the door of any establishment I would leave. Pay your servers what they’re worth and don’t try to tell me how much I should pay. 30% for a tip is crazy! I tip and I try to tip fairly and for service render. My parents take us out to eat. I have tipped the server what we would have paid for our meal. Pay it forward.

[@ABeautfulMess]

Im a southerner..we are touchy, leave condiments on the table, leave big tips unless you're a jerk then its a penny. I will say if you dont open the gift right away its like not appreciated. If you given a tray of fresh goodies, make a pot of coffee and serve the goodies.

[@billolsen4360]

Ha-ha! When I first read your remarks, I thought you meant that southerners were "thin-skinned" touchy. Haven't met many of those types of southerners anywhere, except maybe Scarlett after she's after she's already told me twice to take down those green curtains so she can make a dress and I give her some objections.

[@peggykrech69]

Smile! Even if you are not feeling happy, smiling can make you feel better. "Fake it 'til you make it".😂

[@catw6998]

So many cashier’s and baggers at stores now don’t smile, won’t even say hello. Unless I suppose they find the person going through their line - attractive.

[@lynnw7155]

Even strangers on the street will tell you to smile if you are looking sad or grumpy.

[@katiefountain2407]

​@@lynnw7155which really is so out of line! Not a great feeling fighting depression while at the job and having strangers telling you that you would be prettier if you smiled ect. This was right after burying multiple members of my family within months. And of course when the guy told me to smile that's what I did. Since there was no emotional energy in me to do anything else. And no, the fake smile did not make me feel better.

[@MamaBe1963]

I would never be insulted if someone asked for something extra.

[@tinacasarotto1264]

As long as they taste it first!

[@billolsen4360]

You mean, like if you gave them driving gloves and they as for Ferrari to go with them, I understand completely!

[@ESUSAMEX]

Family and good friends can kiss and hug, but everyone else must stay away.

[@KathyStrickland-nh9vx]

I agreed with you until I moved from Florida to Louisiana's Cajun country. They kiss everyone, men and women. It took some getting used to.

[@ESUSAMEX]

@@KathyStrickland-nh9vx That's the French influence.

[@chriswampler1]

@@KathyStrickland-nh9vxit depends on where Yat in LA

[@jillfalco992]

Yes, family and friends usually greet with a hug or a kiss on the cheek. Also if you're meeting someone who's going to be married into the family and become a family member it's not unusual to say, "I'm a hugger" then give them a hug and make them feel welcome right from the get-go.

[@ESUSAMEX]

@@jillfalco992 Yep. When my dad met my brother's girlfriend for the first time, he shook her hand. And by the end of that long day and night of getting to know her, he gave her a hug before she left. He realized my brother was going to marry her during the visit.

[@md_vandenberg]

A tip I would add: if you're not sure, just ask. Whether it's directions, how to do something or if it's okay to season your food; Americans are happy to help.

[@grendalnewgod]

When I was younger I waited tables (server) for a living. The minimum wage for a server was $2.13 per hour, plus tips. Due to my willingness to take other people's shifts if they were unable to work, and my excellent service, I made more than the restaurant's manager each month.

[@dner75-xh9le]

My brother is a server and clears $60,000 every year. So yeah...if you're not a dick and can house it, you can make bank.

[@moreanimals6889]

I would argue that smiling is the first step to kindness. Canadians are famous for kindness, it seems like those should go together. Kissing is very intimate and it isn't that we don't kiss. It's just that it's reserved for close friends and family. It would be weird if you kissed the buss driver and everyone you walked by, the same way it would be weird if people only smiled. Then it would seem fake.

[@Idalianightfire]

Just don’t add seasoning and sauces until you’ve tasted the food. Unless it’s from a fast food joint

[@lorettamoore6345]

As to the gift giving, if someone set aside a gift I got them I would be so hurt. It’s as if they aren’t interested enough to bother opening it. Yes, I’m American.

[@hapymom13]

a lot of people tend to under season/flavor their food because there are so mamy different palates and allergies. The tipping system needs some work.

[@revgurley]

So many Americans have dogs, and enough yard for them to play in. Therefore, the dog is going to track in dirt, pollen, mud, snow, or whatever else is out there. Even in my house, I wear house shoes, because despite often cleanings, the floor still has whatever-the-dog-dragged-in. So we prefer people to keep their shoes on when visiting.

[@cv8167]

Plus, I also don't want my living room reeking of your feet for the next few hours...

[@annieberry4008]

At home other people and I (we live with my friend and help her by paying rent, etc) take off our shoes and put on flip flops to wear around the house. You have to take off those ones when you go to your room and put on a different pair of flip flops in your room. PS I'm Canadian not American

[@kathleenshaw838]

We always ask the gift giver if they want us to open the gift right then. If they dont want us to, they will just say "you can open it later". It msy depend on the occasion, where gifts are saved for a particular day, or the giver may have a reason why they want the recipient to see the gift right then. No hard feelings either way.

[@julieL7773]

Agreed, it is a very mixed bag. I love seeing people’s reactions but it’s ok if they don’t want to or prefer to save it for a certain day.

[@tommiemama]

Some people will think it's rude if you DO take your shoes off at their house.

[@Stephaney-s1h]

The cable company workers in the U.S. carry booties, like they use at crime scenes, to cover their boots or shoes so they don't ruin people's carpet and they don't have to take off and put on shoes constantly every time they get something from their trucks

[@chadbennett7873]

I don't even take my shoes off at my house.

[@bradleyanderson4315]

It’s a regional thing. Up North you would be tracking in snow and salt. Just look and see what family do.

[@clairruckman7674]

Those people are insane. Take your shoes off, or talk to me outside.

[@chadbennett7873]

@ No thanks, I'll just leave.

[@reginafarley1325]

Food example: if a family member can't eat salt because of medical restrictions, a cook will prepare a dinner without using salt. Those who don't have a problem with salt can add it to their plate at the table. Besides, everyone has their own taste preferences & we feel like that should be respected. Especially when dealing with medical issues

[@moxeyjc]

The salt and pepper thing really depends on the cook. Personally, if I'm paying for my meal at a restaurant, I season my food however I see fit. But if my mom's cooking, unless she puts ketchup on the table, I'm eating it how she served it (I value my life :).

[@CHARLAAYYY]

😂😂 if you don't eat it how she cooked it, might as well go grab one of her sandals and hand it to her and run away slowly so she can Frisbee that shii to your head 😂😂

[@ThatShyGuyMatt]

The touchy feely thing is more about strangers then people you know. Families still hug, kiss...etc. Or depending on your heritage it could be cheek kisses. My wife is Filipino and her Filipino friends that live in America love hugging. Even when you first meet.

[@lauralebel3195]

my husband drives a cab for a living here in Illinois another part of the reason for customers sitting in the back is for safety reasons you never know who's getting in you cab

[@MamaBe1963]

I even tidy up my table at most restaurants.

[@terrimobley6067]

Me too. I thought it was just me

[@Stephaney-s1h]

I do that too and it's rubbed off on my daughter who also does it. Why be a jerk and create and leave a mess for the server?

[@clairruckman7674]

Same! I always organize my table at even fancy restaurants so clearing will be easier for the busier.

[@newdem08]

The casual rule about first name basis for everyone must exist outside of the South. Here it is very much Mr./Miss whomever if you don’t personally know them, and ALWAYS for your elders are you never to directly refer to them by first name. For example, if my grandmother had a close friend named Gwen, she would always will be Ms Gwen even in my more advanced age

[@clairruckman7674]

I am not from the South and even say thank you sir/ ma'am to fast food workers. I'm old and still call my best friend's parent's Mr./ Mrs. even though once we became adults they were like just call me by my name. I can't do it. When schools shifted up here to just call a teacher by their first name. Again so Egh feelings. Basic respect to people around you. Now when people address me I don't mind casual, but I'd sooner be dead than not offer that basic respect.

[@davidcopple8071]

Howdy from Texas. Regarding tipping. As someone who's worked as a server in a very busy restaurant. I can say without a doubt that the servers as well as the customers benefit greatly from the tipping culture. I have heard many horror stories about the rude and or indifferent service people get in Europe at most restaurants. And that is exactly because those servers are not dependent on tips to make a living. So they stand to make exactly the same amount of money for their work whether they just do the bare minimum required to keep their jobs or work harder for no added benefit to them for doing so. Nobody wants to work harder for the same exact amount of money that they would make with minimal effort as well. So the American tipping culture not only provides good servers a better than average income for their work. But because they depend on the tips they earn from their customers, they have much more incentive to give their customers the best possible dining experience that they can manage to give them. Thus the customers benefit by receiving great service from an enthusiastic and very friendly server. And the good servers tend to make a lot more money giving really good customer service than they possibly could at a regular hourly job. Not to mention that the tipping culture automatically weeds out those people who just are not good at providing customer service to their customers. Because their tips will be so low that they will have no choice but to go find other types of work because they just can't make a living from their tips. I've seen this play out over and over again. So the tipping culture also removes those individuals who are really not great at pleasing other people. Which is yet another benefit to the customers as well. I worked with more than one veteran server who regularly made over one hundred thousand dollars a year just working four or five hours a day for five or six days a week. Plus plenty of opportunities to pick up extra shifts and make even more money. I am made to understand that the reason most Europeans make such a big fuss about just how great the customer service is here in the States. Is mostly due to the lack of it anywhere in most of Europe. That and the tipping culture also benefits the servers because a lot of their tips are in cash and they tend to walk away from their 4 or 5 hour shift with a pocket full of cash money.

[@georgemetz7277]

Yes! Couldn't have said it better myself though I did above. I also added getting better management because the best servers want to work at the best managed places.

[@trekkame]

So if the restaurant owner is not paying a decent wage then their profit margin must be huge compared to restaurants in the rest of the world. So why would I want to pay for my meal and then pay for the staff labour separately, it’s a crazy system. I have visited USA and the “over zealous” customer service drove me insane, every 5 minutes some waiter was asking how was my meal, giving us no opportunity to enjoy our meal in peace and quiet 🤯🤬

[@rinlo1424]

Really? I've been to several European countries and have always had excellent service.

[@tiffanytupper8983]

@@trekkameyou can tell the servers you prefer not to be disturbed when you are eating they will be relieved to attend to the other tables.😊

[@ESUSAMEX]

Salt and pepper are always on the table in restaurants or people's homes. This goes for salsas as well. Asking for ketchup for during an Italian meal would be wrong everywhere. For every other meal it may be ok.

[@darcyjorgensen5808]

Please note that the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13/hour. They survive on tips.

[@mgshubin]

Depends on the state. In Oregon tipped workers get state minimum wage, $15/hr. in Portland.

[@sandywatts2078]

@@mgshubinthis the rarity not the norm The federal minimum wage for non-exempt food workers is $7.25 per hour Tipped employees must be paid at least $2.13 per hour in direct wages. The total of their tips plus their cash wage must add up to at least $7.25 per hour. This is federal law and 80% of restaurants try to only pay their employees $2.13 an hour

[@mgshubin]

@sandywatts2078 7 states follow full minimum wage. 14 states follow federal minimum wage. 23 states fall within 15% of state's full minimum wage. I'm just saying check the state.

[@wmiller360]

Many people who earn by typing make more money than they would being paid their state's minimum wage. When it comes to condiments, not everyone has the same taste, for example, I like my food much saltier and spicier than my wife does.

[@kathrynoneill5862]

The best example is the movie The Joy Luck Club. The Chinese lady invites her Anerican fiance to her old school Chinese mothers house and the family was in shock when he added soy sauce to the food the mom made. As Americans we never think we are insulting people when we add are own salt and pepper so we take for granted that other cultures might think differently.

[@jimmyb.6272]

Unless their shoes are muddy, I don’t want people taking their shoes off in my house. If people have wiped their shoes on the doormat, they are clean enough to walk around.

[@pjschmid2251]

Yeah, the shoe thing in the house is very much a family to family thing. Our family wasn’t big on taking the shoes off. But I can imagine families that have a background in Asia for instance it probably would be a big deal. As for me, I’m getting older and I cannot go without shoes on a hard floor. It is just painful. If I had to go to someone’s house that insisted on taking my shoes off, I would be extremely uncomfortable, but I would do it.

[@olds777]

I keep my shoes on because they are always cold .

[@lynnw7155]

I've never visited anyone who takes their shoes off in the house.

[@clairruckman7674]

Absolutely not. Take your shoes off, or talk to me outside. If you are going to be here a long time. I'll offer crochet slippers to take home. I'm from NW Ohio it rains often. Snow, leaves, etc... I've wiped my shoes it never removes all the dirt.

[@rebeccaclementz3756]

I'm in NE Ohio. I know someone who says "Take your shoes off" but she has white carpet.🙄 I have not volunteered my opinion on white carpet in Ohio.

[@gregorywilliams1308]

We we prefer to tip. If the waiters hourly rate increase, so will the price of the food. Therefore you probably will end up paying more.

[@icycold9406]

Peoples taste palette are not all the same, so if they add a little spice or salt, I don’t mind…

[@mamamoose749]

The one exception to adding seasoning to your meal is a very fine cut of steak. You can ask for ketchup for your fries or your burger, but never a steak.

[@ESUSAMEX]

Personal space rules are not there because of the size of the US or how we speak. They are there because no one should ever be close enough to touch someone unless the people are good friends. That's just common sense.

[@darcyjorgensen5808]

Personally, I go shoes off in my little place, but guests can wear shoes if they are more comfortable that way. That’s more important, right?

[@xenotbbbeats7209]

Some places actually do include what they deem a "gratuity" charge. In other words, the tip is included in the bill. I don't like that because I like having the option to NOT tip a really horrible server, which HAS happened. I remember a boyfriend and I being seated at a family restaurant. It wasn’t particularly busy. The water was brought to our table, but as we sat there talking, I noticed that two families had already gotten their food, eaten, paid, and left from the same table across from us. I asked my boyfriend if he didn’t mind conducting an experiment to see how long we would sit there being ignored until the server finally noticed. I told him it would be worth it because we'd get our meal for free. We sat there for over 3 hours, and the table across the aisle had seated family #4. At that point, I stood up when the server went by, and we remained invisible. I said, in a very loud voice, "We've been sitting here with empty water glasses for over 3 hours, and nobody has even given us a menu? 4 families have come and gone? What's going on?!" It was dead silent with mostly customers looking shocked and some chuckling. The server was so embarrassed, and righly so. I had no idea we could probably sit there until closing without being served. We got anything we wanted on the menu free of charge without my having to ask for it. She did not get a tip. She might have gotten fired. That server is an example of why the tip should not be included. I may have had to practically grab her arm just to get a menu. At that point, I'd have had to pay for the meal because maybe I waited 1 hour instead of over 3. Does she deserve a tip?

[@garycamara9955]

NO

[@gwyntx7620]

Happened to my family at breakfast joint. Another table came after us and got food and we still had no menus. We left and complained to manager. Never went there again

[@ThatShyGuyMatt]

Cleaning up. This depends on the place. At fast food, people for the most part do clean their own tables. They make those places so trash bins and stuff are easy to access and use right by the tables. Restaurants though, not so much. You always leave your mess as the busboy/waiter is supposed to clean it. Of course some people, like myself, try to clean it up for them so they can clean the rest real easy and quick. Like stalking all the plates, stacking the cups, putting all the silverware in one place, putting used napkins in one spot. It's just easier for the waiter to make it quicker for when they come around after.

[@dner75-xh9le]

Nobody tips fast food workers. Do you? If so, why? I'm not giving them a goddamned dime. If you do, that's quite sad. Even the grifters at Starbucks try to make more money off of me for simply pouring a black coffee. Not happening, hippies.

[@randalmayeux8880]

I would prefer not HAVING to tip, however, most of the people I know in the service sector would rather a low salary and tips. I've known people that made a lot more money off of tips than even a decent salary.

[@ThatShyGuyMatt]

I never realized outside the US, asking for condiments is rude. Though if your eating at someones house it depends on the meal. Like if your having hamburgers, you ask for condiments. But if someone made pasta and meatsauce, you wouldn't ask for condiments as its a fully prepped meal that, at least by the persons view, doesn't need anything else. Though its mixed as some people still get offended if you ask for stuff when over. Though it also varies on what you ask for. Salt and pepper is more of a "rude" thing to ask for at someones house as those are used for flavor. Ketchup on the other hand is just a topping.

[@icycold9406]

When you work in the service industry, you are told to say hi and smile by your employer

[@dner75-xh9le]

And if you do so, you're an embarrassment. Congratulations, Junior. Nobody is preventing you from being a real Man.

[@mortensen1961]

@@dner75-xh9le= coward.

[@clairruckman7674]

I walked out of a pizza place that didn't acknowledge me when I walked in. They acknowledged the person behind me that was clearly not with me. "I knew his pizza was ready." Well mine might have been ready if you'd greeted me.

[@Chanitally]

At restaurants there is always salt and pepper shakers at the table. Steak houses have steak sauces and some places include hot sauce bottles on the table. I only get offended if you season before tasting what I have prepared.

[@mdskydive7245]

Yes i want people to enjoy their food their way. If means more seasoning, hot sauce or other condiments then so be it. We want our guests happy and not stuck with a dish that may not be to our liking.

[@sixslinger9951]

I'm American and HATE small talk

[@DayRoom-o8y]

Me too!

[@Amandaarford83]

I hate it too but if somebody talks to me I feel obligated to do the small talk thing. I live in a small town in the south so everyone always wants to talk 😂

[@LocdSister]

Me too, but I’m an introvert. Are you?

[@sixslinger9951]

@@LocdSister most of the time I am, but I was a salesman for many years, imagine that and hating small talk.

[@LocdSister]

@ Yikes

[@Amy-zr5mn]

I don't like "mandatory" tipping, and I don't like that it seems like *everyone* is supposed to get a tip these days. (I shouldn't be asked for a tip for carry-out or a drive-through.) I agree with you, I do want employers to pay waiters a decent wage, and then, if I get really good service, let me add a tip if I like.

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

10:50 Even among family, kissing us not usually the norm, but hugging family and close friends is!

[@tas6313]

As a U.S. native, I don’t mind tipping. I genuinely love to give so it’s a pleasure to leave a $10 note for a $40 price. This afternoon our bill was $30, but I still left $10. No matter what the employees are paid, it’s not enough to really enjoy life, so a generous tip is a good way to show appreciation for being waited on.

[@clairruckman7674]

Prior to the crazy recent inflation. I always started my tip at 5.00. Meal 10.00 well you'll still get at least a 5.00 from me. If a fancy place I do the math, but still 20-25% unless service really bad.

[@mothiestman4995]

One of my most formative memories was when my very Southern Nana *audibly gasped* when I said "yeah!" Instead of "yes, please!" When I was, like, six.

[@CJWJR]

Here in America, the customer is king. (After all, the customer could take his/her business elsewhere and/or bash your business, which you don't want to happen.) With regard to food, it's going into YOUR mouth, not the chef's mouth. Therefore, customize it to YOUR liking. If you like a certain entree, but don't like (or are allergic to) a side dish that normally comes with the meal, then ask the waiter if you could substitute it for something else, or you could ask if the entree could be prepared differently to meet your dietary needs, etc. As far as taking your shoes off, there are vacuum cleaners for carpets and brooms and steam cleaners for hard floors. As long as you don't have something really messy on the bottom of your shoes (e.g. chewing gum, etc.) then just wipe your feet on the door mat and come on in. Also, some houses here in America have mud room areas where homeowners can take off or leave their muddy shoes. Plus, as someone who studied in Spain for a semester, I can personally attest that many streets here in America are MUCH cleaner than the streets in Spain or some other countries. In Spain, everyone just threw their litter on the streets for the street cleaning crews to clean up later, which is a concept that I never understood.

[@WendyLemontree]

Born and raised in the US and where I'm from, everybody takes their shoes off right by the door.

[@clairruckman7674]

Only heathens don't remove their shoes. I'll make brief exceptions, but rarely. I.E. I was planning on cleaning floors and you forgot your wallet on the counter, or decide you want a water last minute. I may give a special exception. Otherwise you are a heathen. I've seen the floors of people who wear their shoes in their homes. Absolutely revolting.

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

4:19 We Americans don't necessarily like it, but waiters are paid very little, so their main livelihood is their tips.

[@toddfraser3353]

There is a loophole in US Labor Laws, where Tipped workers get paid less than minimum wage. So tips are expected for their income.

[@Rowanlafolle1965]

I mainly don't like it when I serve someone food and they ask for salt and pepper or a sauce if they haven't even tried it first. I mean, I seasoned it the way I thought it would taste good. At least try it before you go dumping other stuff on it.

[@clairruckman7674]

Preach! If you've tasted it and want it hotter, saltier, etc ... Cool, but doing it without even trying it rude. You are operating off incomplete intelligence of what you are doing.

[@MontagZoso]

Americans love to hug with their close friends and family, definitely. 👍

[@MamaBe1963]

I always ride in the back of an Uber, etc.

[@melissabill1640]

A lot of dishes come without salt so people can add it as they want. Some people have low salt diets for health reasons.

[@AnaFrost-k9k]

The personal space doesn't refer to having a big house or a big car in a big country. It has to do with not getting on someone's face, breathing on them. Just keep a few inches apart.

[@revgurley]

In my career, I have to meet a lot of strangers, but become a trusted person with them almost immediately. I'll usually shake hands at the beginning of the first meeting, but ask for a hug at the end, so they know I care about them. Most are more than okay with that.

[@vortexathletic]

Tipping vs not tipping is a wash for me, at least at restaurants. I’ve heard the listed menu prices in America are cheaper than in other countries. If the restaurants pay their staff more to take away tipping, the prices would just go up anyway 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@GamingWithUncleJon]

Expanding on the seasoning at the table thing: We expect it, and so we slightly underseason the food. Many of our foods are sauced at the table or dipped as well. This comes in especially useful when some family members have salt restrictions.

[@11Windermere]

if I walk into a house for a party, they don't open my gift upon arrival. (in the us) but at holidays at some point in the evening people will open so they can get a hug/explain why they gave said gift/laugh/thank and enjoy the giving

[@Ltlmscrl]

People have different needs and preferences when it comes to food. You can start off with minimally seasoned food and for example people who like it salty can add more salt to their individual plate and people with high blood pressure can leave it out for health reasons. It’s a more efficient way to cook.

[@chamqual6480]

I would prefer a system that was halfway in between. I want the wait staff to get better hourly pay so that tips are a lower percentage of the meal

[@MamaBe1963]

I've never taken shoes off.

[@SuperDave71176k]

I like it being a lower base salary and more tipping if the service is extraordinary.If they play games with the pricing with"lower prices" but add service charges then just a token tip.

[@ColleenCM1124]

Opening the gift immediately really varies depending on location, occasion etc. Like a birthday party? Yeah open em up! Or if someone surprises you, sure. But I've never seen gifts opened at a wedding for example and there are people who genuinely prefer to do it in private. A lot of these vary by culture/location etc of course. I'm def a shoes off in the house kind of person (and most of my friends homes are too)

[@jeansmith-wl7xt]

50 yrs ago it was the norm to have someone opening wedding gifts at a gift table, at least in my area.

[@robertcasey7312]

Yes, I do like the tipping system in the US. I like being able to express gratitude for service. 20%+ But truly if you’re a bad tipper stay home, don’t even request services.

[@user-Tea278]

When I cook, I usually put the most important condiments out on the island. I generally tip, because I want to and the service was nice. The gift thing, I don’t really care, I just hope they like it.

[@robtintelnot9107]

I think tipping is bs but i always do it. Even when i hit on a good scratcher I'll go back and give the cashier a tip.

[@BlazeMiskulin]

I would note that in the Great Lakes region, we're more direct than in other parts of the country. Around here, a more direct (or even blunt) response, given with a smile and a friendly voice, is just seen at being efficient rather than rude. It's often a problem when we interact with people from the south. :D

[@lindsaymckeown513]

In our family we always put a small lazy susan on the table with salt, pepper, spices, horseradish, mustards, plain yoghurt, and more. Because...everyone is different!

[@jpack85]

Salt and pepper are almost always on the table in the USA. In diners and other casual restaurants, you might even find a whole host of condiments either on the table or brought to the table.

[@moreanimals6889]

Service charges are being made illegal here. That pisses me off the most. I would walk out if I saw that. Why? Your paycheck is the only thing that should be a thing. There should be a price maybe a local tax (which should be included) and that's it. Service charge is another name for a tip and is a scam.

[@katherinegeddie7687]

There are regional manners. I'm from the south, and it is polite to say " yes, mam," and " no, mam " to older ladies. "Pease" and "Thank you" are expected, too. Many people hold the door for others also.

[@lej1105]

My grandmother and mother were from England (I love your accent by the way!) My grandmother told me stories about my grandfather's family (while very nice to her) never hugged or kissed. It took her a long time to get used to it. My family are that way. None of us are really huggers. A couple of my siblings will hug people goodbye but I am more of a "well it was great to see you. Thank you again for the family get together" and go. My nephew's family are huggers. We do have the "Midwest goodbye" though. I have seen people take an hour to go after saying the first "goodbye". It starts with people sitting and the initial "well we better get going." Then more talk. People stand up. There are rounds of hugs or handshakes or "well it was good to see all of you" for the non huggers. Jokes about the non huggers who just smile and wave. Then more talk. Get to the front door. Turn around. More talk. More goodbyes. If this is a family dinner sometimes the host will give you food to take home at this stage. More hugs or handshakes and more "it was a fun time. Thanks for the invitation". Then wait while the people who have parked behind you in the driveway get into their cars and let them warm up. Then while you are on the sidewalk (even if it is cold) more talk while the host stands at the door. Then just as you lose feeling in your fingers and toes comment about how cold it is and talk about the upcoming cold wave or snow or lack of snow. Finally get into your car, one final wave at the front door and go. For a good example look up Charlie Berens. He does a couple Midwest Goodbye vids that are pretty much dead on accurate.

[@BamaMimi12]

Funny thing about small talk. I live in Alabama and a fan of Alabama football. When in public (grocery store, crossing the street etc.) we say "Roll Tide" when greeting another fan. Both are usually wearing Bama T-shirts or hats and are mostly strangers. Lol

[@wmiller360]

If your shoes are filthy, muddy, wet etc..take them off at the door.

[@esthermiller2713]

We’re Canadians. Usually we tip…..depending on the circumstances. I do my grocery shopping online. The company I pay to deliver my groceries…..includes the tip for me….because I pay the delivery company monthly…whether I shop that month or not. Of course we always tip taxi drivers & hairdressers. One of my two daughters moved from here in Ontario, Canada to Queensland, Australia with her husband & 3 children permanently in ‘08. The first time we visited them….back in ‘09…..she told me tipping in Australia is NOT in their culture there. I was quite surprised!

[@jamesblanton3744]

In Florida the minimum wage for tip employees is 9.98 per hour but that change was within the last few years the federal minimum wage is 2.13 an hour

[@philparisi9175]

The small talk thing is more of a southern characteristic. If someone one walked around Copley Square in Boston and said, "Hi, how are you?" to everyone, security would be called.

[@paulromsky9527]

Tip stands for "To Insure Promptness". The idea is to reduce the cost of the meal and pass it on to how good or poor the service was. Some rare very high end restaurants many not ask for tips as they are charging you a premium price for the meal and the service - they have to be sure they service employeees are top notch 24/7 in the USA. When I pay by credit card but leave a cash tip. I put down on credit card ticket (bill) "Cash in Hand" where it says tip and I add 1 to 5 stars. This way the owner knows how the good the service was.

[@KristaLinford]

This was fun. Thanks!

[@toddfraser3353]

14:23 shoe's in your home are more of a climate based thing in the US. If your shoes are muddy or have snow or wet. Then we normally take them off. However if the weather is good sneakers or other casual footwear is normal.

[@nwj03a]

Im American and you are supposed to eat any meal with a bite “as the chef intended”. This doesn’t apply to many meals, but in a nice restaurant, or when a family member made something with a lot of effort… try it first. If I grill something and my friends/family start slathering extras on it… it means you think I suck.

[@themadwomanskitchen9732]

3:50 Quick *ahem* tip to calculate your tip. Your bill will include an itemized sales tax, which is will be around 7-10 % of the bill. So if you double that amount, that will be about 15%.

[@lizabethma6363]

Midwestern USA citizen here. I personally season lightly at large gatherings. At home i know what my family likes and can be heavier handed. At group gatherings its easier to add a spice or seasoning than to remove one. Too many people have dietary restrictions to even simple things such as salt or garlic so i am careful about that. More people can enjoy it that way. In some dishes that call for a stronger item i am upfront about whats in it. (Salty items/spicy items/or my 27 clove garlic alfredo)

[@lizabethma6363]

Tipping: our service staff actually makes more with the tips. Removing that and going to a wage would reduce many people's pay from averaging 27 or 28 an hour to around 15 per hour.

[@bcpaladin5050]

Salt and or pepper, yeah, no problem. Ketchup might get you a different reaction depending on what you're being served.

[@dukechristian3570]

Condiment requests in restaurants are expected by the waitstaff in America. The customer is paying for the food and if supplying salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, butter, hot sauce or any other taste altering ingredient keeps the customer from sending the food back, it's better for the waitstaff. Especially since people who request these ingredients and get them quickly are more likely to tip higher than those who don't make requests.

[@sclose3418]

Yes I like our tipping system in the USA. I’m always a bit perplexed as to what to do in other countries.

[@chamqual6480]

You missed it but he said the touchy feely stuff doesn't apply to friends and family.

[@angelablackwell900]

The shoe thing, if someone has carpet or really expensive wood floor then shoes off. Regular old wood floor shoes don't hurt them so leave em on..imo

[@TailoredTaylor]

I don't think it's a big deal to ask politely for salt/pepper, extra seasoning that is already on the food, or sauces. I do think it shows better manners to take a bite or two of the meal as it comes before asking for items to alter it especially if it was made in someone's house.

[@garycamara9955]

I always take my trash to the garbage can. Thats just normal.

[@catw6998]

I believe just a bit before you (Kabir) asked about touchy-feely that the narrator said it’s normal to do that with friends and family.

[@taraparedez4720]

I’m a southern American with some years as an army brat (only international travel was 4 year in Asia) but here is my take/ how I was raised. 1. If it’s home cooked: TRY it before you doctor it. Usually you can doctor it up after if you like, but you need to at least take a bite or two to show you’ve tried what they’ve given you. As for restaurants… doctor away at will… although I supposed it’s possible that I just haven’t been to a fancy enough restaurant that a customer can offend the cook, but I guess it’s possible. 2. & 3. For service, tip. If they have to touch your body (like a salon, massage, or hair cut) then 20% minimum. For food, the connection between 2 & 3 is a good indicator of a tip needed. If you are seated the whole time & don’t have to go pick up your food or clean your trash or refill your drink because someone is “waiting on you” to do it, that’s when you tip. 15% for perfectly decent service, 20-25 (and sometimes more) for EXCEPTIONAL service. 10% for poor or slow service (unless it’s not the waiter’s fault & they are super awesome and friendly about it) And 0% if the waiter is rude, belligerent, or purposely terrible. So if you do have to leave the table for self serve, then no tip is needed. As for me, I’m not a huge fan of forced tipping, but I also don’t like the lack of wages either. We’ve tried to get into the habit of tipping in cash so the waitstaff can keep 100% of the tip. 4. Ok 4 is why I’m responding to any of these. I HATE 😩 the expectation of opening gifts right away!! I do feel that it is greedy and selfish. If I can get away with it, I will sincerely thank the person and lay the gift aside for later. But most of the time, they ask me to open it right away. And then it’s unavoidable. 5. I definitely initiate small talk ALL the time. It’s nice to go through the day making connections. 6. Smiling is good for you And others, it makes people happy! 7. I TOTALLY agree with what you said about personal space being related to our wide open spaces! 8. I do not prefer to touch people, and some of that has to do with the assumption of germ passing, and some has to do with the awkwardness of touching. I mean, occasionally I do get weirded out kissing my parents. And my siblings, well I kiss them to weird them out on purpose 😂 and I’m just talking about cheek kissing! Our two middle siblings are the worst about touching. While my husband hugs EVERYBODY. It’s really hard to give an awkward wave to someone after being bearhugged by my partner, so pretty often I end up having to give hugs too. 9. I hate loud boisterous groups of people when trying to enjoy a quiet meal. But I’ve also gone out and been part of the loud boisterous group 😬. 12. I think I’d be weirded out if people started taking their shoes off right away in my house, like: “are you expecting to stay awhile?” But if I invited them to come and we plan to hang out a while then that’s cool. Still normal to ask first.

[@joefaber1381]

In the US, if you go out to eat, many places will cook your meal to be relatively bland and expect you to season it to your liking. Some older people cannot tolerate too much spice.

[@a00141799]

I don't tip if my service was not good. And then only 10 to 15%. And I don't feel guilty. I also don't tip if I when I take out. I notice that since the pandemic, many restaurants give you the option of tipping even though I am taking my food to go. NO! The food is always overpriced anyway! I save lots of money this way lol.... ♣

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

The video did make an exception of the personal bubble for family and close friends.

[@KatyFaulkner-f6c]

I would keep tipping as it is! It sounds weird to some, but when I watch videos like this from other people in the UK or Europe they are shocked by tipping, but then are amazed by the level of the service you get in the US. Coincidence? I think not! 😄

[@georgemetz7277]

Thank you! Maybe see my reply, it's the same.

[@kenbyers8036]

Tipping, the wait staff does not get a living wage is the reason I normally tip. If my waiter does everything to make your meal enjoyable and the meal is poorly cooked, I tip the waitress and ask to speak to the manager about the cook. If the service is awful, I don’t leave a tip.

[@KB-tg7pf]

Some perspective on the shoes thing: Sometimes the heat can get really bad here, and no matter how clean you are, your feet will sweat through your socks. So it could make people more uncomfortable to take their shoes off & have embarrassing, stinky feet in front of people. I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, & I found that rich people who stay indoors most of the time were more likely to ask me to take off my shoes, rather than people like me who knew the risks. If I found myself in that situation, having been outside in the heat, working all day, then had to go to someone's house where they asked me to take off my shoes, I would sometimes ask to use the bathroom, and quickly give my feet a bird bath before anyone noticed. I know it's a gross topic, but I think if you live in a more mild climate, (or stay in the air conditioning) you don't think of it as much.

[@anniesavidge2468]

most people in america keep salt and pepper and catsup and/or hot sauce on the table all the time. and a lot of restaurants, too

[@Stephaney-s1h]

I can't think of any food besides cereal and pizza that I DONT put condiments on. 😅 I even use ketchup on scrambled eggs and mac n cheese. I won't eat those without it 😊