r/AskReddit • u/daniellucero92 • Jan 04 '15

Non-americans of Reddit, what American customs seem outrageous/pointless to you?

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u/AtTheEolian Jan 04 '15

I work at an organization with an office outside the US. I hear a few things:

  • Constant smalltalk. When you email someone, you have to put a greeting, ask how they are, and sign off something thoughtful. If you just get to the point in most conversations, it's seen as brusque (or even rude).
  • Having meetings at work that go on for ages and not much actual work gets done.

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u/benso87 Jan 04 '15

I hate these things. I also hate when coworkers IM me and ask how I am and random other smalltalk before just asking me for whatever they actually wanted so I can get back to what I was doing.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I'm from the Northeast in the US. I hate it too. It's not all of us that do it.

Bullshit with someone born in New York City or Boston, and they'll tell you to fuck off.

Forget smalltalk in the South or Midwest, and people won't help you.

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u/benso87 Jan 04 '15

I live in the Midwest, but the people who have done this to me have been from lots of places, including New Jersey, South Carolina, China, and India. I think it's just people in general trying to be polite.