Don't Break These Etiquette Rules in the U.S.

A colleague of mine is visiting the U.S. for the  first time, and he recently shared an incident.  

To thank another person, he gently tapped them on  the shoulder. This was on public transportation,  

so the other passenger angrily responded, "Don't  touch me!" Hmm. This is about respecting people's  

personal space and privacy. First, don't  touch people, especially strangers. If you  

make accidental contact, apologize. Keep at  least an arm's length between you and another  

person. That's about four feet. Don't get close  to people when you're standing in line or even if  

you're talking to them. In public spaces and on  public transportation, don't sit next to someone  

if there are other seats free. I usually enjoy  chitchat, but I know not to make small talk if  

it means interrupting someone who's engaged in  an activity like listening to music or reading.