so an american invites your to their home...what do you do next?!
this is where things get tricky. when to come? what to bring? what to wear?
so many questions follow...so let's take if from the top.
what time should i show up?
ok, so if you've experienced cultures different from your own, you realize that time is relative.
that means "come at 7pm" means a different in thing in america than it does in india or africa or germany.
americans are generally time conscious. so if you're invited over at 7pm, try to be on time, and don't be later than 7:15pm unless you have a good reason.
what to bring?
if you're invited for dinner or something, it's not expected that you bring anything, though it's always polite to ask if your host wants you to bring anything.
but of course, everyone love gifts! i love the eastern culture of never arriving empty handed, and so trust me, an american certainly won't be offended by your kind gesture.
what to wear?
americans culture is pretty casual compared to many cultures. unless it's specified, you can usually dress casual, though it's always good to ask your host, especially if it is for a party or something. but usually if they want you to dress more formally it will specify in the invitation.
and now what do i do?
so i can't get into full etiquette in this post, but there are a few good general things about americans to keep in mind.
first of all, though in many cultures it is only polite to refuse something when it is first offered to you...not to appear too greedy....but keep in mind that this courtesy sadly doesn't apply in the US.
if someone offers your something, that may be your last chance at it. so if you're thirtsy? don't suffer. take them up on that drink the first time. because they will take your answer seriously.
also, you're likely to hear a certain confusing little phrase...
"make yourself at home."
american hospitality is very casual. in the US, guests are loved and appreciated. but instead of treating guests like kings as in some cultures, here we treat guests more like family.
so to make yourself at home is to treat your friend's home as if it were your own.
this means, take as much food as you want, make yourself comfortable, get some dessert, put up your feet, etc...
as my grandma used to say 'if you can't make yourself at home, then you should go home!'
got to love the USA! :)
