Small talk at work: the unwritten rules
What to ask, what to skip, and how to leave a conversation politely.
Cultural Norms
The Unwritten Rules series: short, practical reads on everyday American etiquette.
31 guides
Personal space and punctuality in the US
How close to stand, when “on time” means early, and why lines matter.
Dating in America: apps, first dates and who pays
How dating usually works in the US, from apps to “defining the relationship.”
American holidays: a newcomer’s calendar
Which holidays close offices, which ones involve food, and what people actually do.
Making friends as an adult in the US
Why Americans seem friendly but hard to get close to, and what actually works.
Urgent care vs the ER: where to go when you’re sick
Choosing the right place can save you hours and a lot of money.
Dinner parties and potlucks: what to bring and how to behave
RSVPs, host gifts, dietary questions and leaving at the right time.
How Americans give feedback at work
Decoding positive framing, the “feedback sandwich” and what “interesting idea” might mean.
US driving rules that surprise newcomers
Four-way stops, right on red, school buses and what to do if police pull you over.
Common American slang and phrases, explained
“What’s up,” “I’m down,” “no worries” and 30 other everyday phrases, with what they actually mean.
US dress codes explained: business casual, smart casual and more
What “business casual” means at work, interviews, weddings and parties.
Work email etiquette in the US (with templates)
Greetings, tone, length and follow-ups that feel natural to American colleagues.