How do I show respect in American culture?

Question

I was raised in a different culture although I live in America so I don't know much about the American culture. Showing respect to people is one of the most important things I believe, but how to do that differs from culture to culture. Couple things I know I should do when meeting people of American culture:

Smile - I was raised in a culture where lowering your head is
the norm and smiling too much would seem odd.

Don't take myself too seriously
and have a sense of humor - This is something I really had to
learn as it's unfamiliar to me. But
I think I'm getting the hang of it.

Anymore clues?

Answer 1

You are very kind to want to learn ways to please others. I would recommend saying please, thank you, good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. Of course smiling is a very big way to show respect and appreciation in this country. A smile can mean a thousand words, remember that!!!

Answer 2

Offer to shake hands with anyone you are meeting for the first time, use a firm grip, but not powerful, never refuse to shake a woman's hand when offered. Men usually will reach out, but you might want to wait a second for a woman to make the first move. Smiling is never wrong, neither is "please, thank you, you are welcome, hello, nice to meet you, or have met you, Come in and sit down, would you like a,[make an offer of some form of refreshment, food or drink, whatever is right for the occasion,].Hold the door for the person right behind you, male or female, Always allow a woman to go ahead into a door, or elevator, be careful of elderly people, show them kindness, and talk to them, most older folks love to gab for a minute or so. I hope this helps you out some, thank you for wanting to be decent and thoughtful.

Answer 3

Eye contact. In a lot of cultures direct eye contact is seen as disrespectful, but in America it's best to make eye contact with the person you're speaking to.
People allways say I'm rude when I don't look them in the eye as I speak... either that or they think I'm being dishonest...

Answer 4

When meeting a person for the first time, especially if that person has a higher social position than you, address the person by title and last name unless you are specifically told to call the person by his/her first name.

Answer 5

Being polite and nice is important. Say excuse me when you cut some one off or bump into them. Say thank you when people help you.

Answer 6

Don't worry about it. There IS no repect here anymore. If you don't believe me just keep reading the posts in this section.