When people in the U.S. have company or when they’re invited to formal or informal get-togethers, they usually make a point of trying to make others feel comfortable and relaxed. On the whole, they tend to be infor-mal. Men shake hands, but usually only when they’re introduced. Male friends and busi-ness associates who haven’t seen each other in a while may shake hands when they say hello. Women usually don’t shake hands when being introduced to each other. When a woman and a man are introduced, shaking hands is up to the woman. Americans rarely shake hands to say good-bye, except on business occasions.

American women are used to being in-dependent. They are used to going to places by themselves, earning their own money, and often living alone. Sometimes they will ask men for help, but they usually don’t want to be protected. Since the women’s movement started, it’s not always clear whether wom-en expect men to open doors or help them into their coats. American women may start conversations with men or even ask them to dance.

There are a lot of Americans who don’t smoke or drink, and many who don’t want people to do those things in their houses. It’s always best to ask before you bring alcohol to a dinner or before you light up a cigarette, if you’re with people you don’t know very well. Non-smokers have become more mil-itant about smoking in public places. Many restaurants, for example, have established special sections for smokers.

House guests may bring gifts when they come to visit, and they often offer to help in some way. As a guest, you may want to ask your host or hostess if there’s anything you can do to help in the kitchen. In many cases, the gesture is more important than actually helping.