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Hello there!

Muita gente me pergunta como são os costumes dos americanos com relação a socializar-se, o que eles fazem, o que é permitido e o que eles não gostam.

Encontrei este texto do livro How to Survive in the U.S.A. (que eu acho que nem vende mais) e decidi compartilhar aqui com você. Separei algumas palavras e expressões úteis.

Enjoy!

Socializing in the USA

When people in the US have company or when they are 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 informal. Men shake hands but usually only when they are introduced. Male friends and business 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.

get-together = reunião (de amigos)
make a point of = fazer questão de
on the whole = no geral
shake hands = dar a mão (cumprimento)
in a while = por um tempo
is up to = depende de

American women are used to being independent. they are use to going 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 women expect men to open doors or to help them into their coats. American women may start conversations with men or even ask them to dance.

are used to being = estão acostumadas a ser
earn = ganhar
help them into their coats = ajudá-las a vestir seu casaco
even = até mesmo

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

light up = acender
nonsmokers = não-fumantes

Houseguests 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 this gesture is more important then actually helping. You may also want to take your friends out to dinner at the end of your stay, but it’s not expected for you to do so.

houseguests = convidados
in some way = de alguma maneira
host = anfitrião, anfitriã
gesture = gesto
actually = realmente, na verdade

People from different cultures sometimes do things that make each other uncomfortable – without meaning to or sometimes even without realizing it. Most Americans have never been out of the country and have very little experience with foreigners. But they are usually spontaneous, friendly and open, and enjoy meeting new people, having guests and bringing people together formally and informally. They tend to use first names in most situations and speak freely about themselves. So if your American hosts do something that makes you uncomfortable, try to let them know how you feel. Most people will appreciate your honesty and try not to make you uncomfortable again. And you’ll learn something about another culture.

without meaning to = sem ter intenção de (fazer isso)
without realizing = sem perceber
let them know = fale com eles, avise-os
appreciate = agradecer

Most visitors find it easier to meet people in the U.S. than in other countries. They may just come up and introduce themselves or even invite you over before they really know you. Sometimes Americans are said to be superficially friendly. Perhaps it seems so, but they are probably just having a good time. Just like anywhere else, it takes time to become real friends with people in the U.S.

come up = chegar
invite you over = te convidar para ir à casa dele(s)
having a good time = se divertindo
it takes time = leva tempo

If and when you stay with American friends, they will probably enjoy introducing you to your friends and family, and if they seem proud to know you, it’s probably because they are. Relax and enjoy it!