American Habits That Are Rude In Other Countries (3 of 5)

Helping yourself

If you’re having a meal as a family, it’s custom in the United States for the host to arrange several bowls and plates and then telling the guests to serve themselves. That’s not the case in Asian cultures. In most of them, the host is expected to entertain the guests they invite. This also means that they are the only one serving the food to you.

Opening gifts immediately

Every child – and certainly every adult – feels accustomed to tearing open a pile of gifts immediately when they are given. Birthday presents, Christmas presents, or any kind of gift at other events – it doesn’t matter. However, in Asian cultures, doing that sort of behaviour is considered rude, but also presents you as a greedy person.

Not turning down gifts

Of course, it’s instinct for us to accept gifts immediately when they are given. We’re not people who’d complain about free stuff, right? Well, in Japan that’s not the case. In Japan, it’s a sign of humility if we turn down a gift no more than three times before accepting it. If you don’t “refuse” the gift before, then you may get a few raised eyebrows.

Giving someone a hug

Everyone loves a hug. It’s a sign of affection and makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Well, that’s not the case. Pulling that off in places like Thailand, Korea, or China is not a good thing. An unwelcome hug is actually a serious violation of that person’s personal space. Even in America, we’re at a point where it’s better that we ask if it’s okay to hug the person before doing so.