Being American comes with its own set of unwritten guidelines — quirky, yet quintessential to the fabric of society. From BBQ etiquette to remote control diplomacy, here are 21 unspoken rules that every true American knows and abides by.
1. Thou Shalt Never Pass up a Free Sample
Free food? Count us in! Whether it’s at the grocery store or a food court, Americans have an innate talent for sniffing out complimentary nibbles.
2. Thou Shalt Wave When Someone Lets You Merge in Traffic
A small gesture with big impact: a wave of appreciation for that driver who let you squeeze into their lane can go a long way.
3. Thou Shalt Hold the Door Open for Strangers
A simple act of courtesy that transcends social barriers—holding the door open for the person behind you is just good manners.
4. Thou Shalt Have a Favorite Local Sports Team
From Little League to the big leagues, Americans take hometown pride seriously. Rooting for the local team is practically a civic duty.
5. Thou Shalt Respect the Sanctity of a BBQ
Barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, Americans know that good BBQ is worth its weight in gold.
6. Thou Shalt Tip Generously
In America, tipping isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an expectation. Whether it’s at a restaurant or a hair salon, tipping generously is a sign of appreciation for good service.
7. Thou Shalt Stand for the National Anthem
Whether you’re at a ball game or a school assembly, standing for the national anthem is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes unity and patriotism.
8. Thou Shalt Never Skip Dessert
Life is short—eat dessert first! Whether it’s pie, cake, or ice cream, Americans know that no meal is complete without a sweet treat.
9. Thou Shalt Have Strong Opinions About Pizza Toppings
Pineapple on pizza: yay or nay? Americans aren’t afraid to take a stand on this divisive issue—and defend their pizza preferences with gusto.
10. Thou Shalt Never Discuss Politics at the Dinner Table
In polite company, it’s best to avoid hot-button topics like politics. Save the debates for another time and place.
11. Thou Shalt Hold Your Liquor
Whether it’s at a party or a barbeque, Americans take pride in their ability to hold their liquor. Just remember to drink responsibly!
12. Thou Shalt Embrace the Power of Small Talk
From the weather to weekend plans, Americans know that small talk is the key to forging connections with strangers.
13. Thou Shalt Never Turn down a Challenge
From eating contests to game nights, Americans love a good challenge. After all, where’s the fun in playing it safe?
14. Thou Shalt Respect the Sacred Bond Between Man and Grill
Grilling isn’t just a cooking method—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s charcoal or gas, Americans know that everything tastes better when it’s cooked over an open flame.
15. Thou Shalt Stand Up for What You Believe In
From civil rights marches to environmental activism, Americans aren’t afraid to fight for what they believe in.
16. Thou Shalt Never Drink Instant Coffee
In a nation obsessed with caffeine, instant coffee is a cardinal sin. Americans know that good coffee takes time—and a little extra effort.
17. Thou Shalt Respect the Oxford Comma
In the world of grammar, the Oxford comma is king. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its power to clarify.
18. Thou Shalt Never Arrive Empty-Handed to a Potluck
In the world of American social gatherings, the potluck is king. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a holiday party, always bring something to share.
19. Thou Shalt Respect the Power of the Remote Control
In the battle for control of the TV remote, there can only be one winner. Choose wisely, my friends.
20. Thou Shalt Never Underestimate the Healing Power of Comfort Food
Whether you’re sad, stressed, or just plain hungry, comfort food is always there to save the day.
21. Thou Shalt Always Root for the Underdog
From sports to movies, Americans love a good underdog story. After all, who doesn’t love to see the little guy come out on top?
Follow the Guide
So there you have it, 21 unspoken rules that every true American knows and lives by. So the next time you find yourself at a potluck or a tailgate party, remember these rules and embrace what it truly means to be American.
This post first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michele Ursi.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
