every country has its peculiar customs(习惯）. americans feel that the first rule of being a polite guest is to be prompt(准时的）. if a person is invited to dinner at 6:30, he should not be there too early. he should be there on time or at most a few minutes after. when the guests cannot come on time, he should call the host or hostess(女主人）on the telephone, give the reason and tell what time he can come.
as guests continue(继续）to arrive, the men in the group should stand when a woman goes into the room and continue to stand until she sits. when the guests sit down at a table, the men should help the ladies by pushing their chairs under them.
americans drink soup from the side of the soup spoon instead of the tip(尖）. it's not a good manner to leave a spoon in a soup bowl or coffee cup or any food plate. it is put on the saucer where it belongs. if for any reason a guest has to leave the table during a meal, he should ask the hostess, “will you excuse me for a minute?” following the meal, guests usually stay for two hours or so, but the thoughtful person is careful not to overstay his welcome. as the guests, they should thank the hostess for a very pleasant evening. after two or three days, the guests should ring up or write to the hostess to express(表达）their thanks again.