Think big.
While other countries emphasize practicality, compactness and brevity, Americans often prefer big and luxurious. Don’t be surprised by the huge trucks and massive SUVs scattered around parking lots. Americans like their space. To them, big can be practical. The large-scale mindset also applies to American food: most restaurants serve very large portions. It’s not uncommon for someone to order a hearty meal and then take the leftovers home as leftovers.
Some restaurant meals are also meant to be shared. If you are going to eat out and are unsure of the portion size, you can ask the waiter what they recommend! However, there is a counter-movement against the “the bigger the better” mentality. Many people, especially young urbanites, are buying eco-friendly cars, buying local and healthy foods, and trying to reduce consumption and waste as much as possible.
The “with you” concept of eating on the go
Most Americans are always on the go. They seem to be frequently running from one meeting to the next, going to and from work, picking up children, running errands, going to business meetings and social events. Because Americans are constantly on the road, there is often not enough time to have a formal lunch. A common expression you’ll hear is, “24 hours in a day isn’t enough!”
Sports
Many Americans love and follow sports, the most popular of which are soccer, baseball, and basketball. You will find that the main difference between your home country and the United States is that there are far fewer soccer fans in the United States than in other countries. Sports can be a huge unifying and dividing factor among Americans. During soccer and basketball season, you may see your peers engage in fierce arguments about whose team is better. Soccer is fun to watch, but it can be quite difficult to follow, but you can ask your American colleagues to help you. You can even see why more than 100 million Americans watched the 2017 Super Bowl!
Competition
Like many cultures, Americans thrive on competition. From an early age, children are encouraged to work hard and try their best to succeed at a task, especially in academics, sports, and other hobbies. Universities tend to be very competitive, so parents prepare their children ahead of time for admission. Some high schools and even preschools have competitive admissions, and even Girl Scouts compete to sell more cookies during fundraising campaigns to earn great prizes. You’ll find that many Americans are also ambitious. They are active, and if they want to accomplish something, they go for it. They don’t tend to sit back and wait for others to step up.
Political correctness (or being “PC”)
Because the U.S. is so diverse, there is a common practice of always respecting other cultures and people’s differences, especially when communicating and expressing your ideas. The basic rule is not to use words or expressions that could be construed as offensive, no matter whose company you work for. Your coworkers may be of different ages, genders and races, and political correctness is a way to help everyone. feel comfortable in the group dynamic.
Chatter
Many Americans engage in what is known as small talk, when you talk to strangers or acquaintances about non-controversial topics such as the weather, sports, or popular TV shows. While waiting at the bus stop, in line at the store, or in the elevator, don’t be alarmed if a stranger says something like, “Did you watch the Super Bowl last night? What a game!” They might also make a joke about the long line you’re both in or comment on a current situation. Small talk should be harmless, so it’s no good if a stranger says something that makes you uncomfortable.
Independence
The idea of self-sufficiency is highly valued in the United States. Many American children and teens leave home for extended periods of time, often to summer camps or traveling. After high school, many Americans choose to attend colleges and universities outside and often far from their hometowns. College students usually live on their own or in dormitories with other students while they are in school for two to four years, and many move away from their childhood homes after graduation. After 17 or 18 years, most Americans no longer live at home with their families. They also store, do laundry, cook, and pursue careers or studies on their own.
The idea of being self-sufficient and independent is highly valued in the United States.