Terra Americana

The Atlantic looks at how foreigners see America via tourism guides:

Despite the divides, there is one thing that Americans agree on, according to the guides: punctuality is a big deal. Lonely Planet, in the same paragraph, notes that "Americans are notoriously informal in their dining manners" but that "it's polite to be prompt ... arrive within 15 minutes of the designated time." They repeat, later, "Do be on time. Many folks in the U.S. consider it rude to be kept waiting." Rough Guide hammers home, in asides in many sections, that things happen on time here, and lateness doesn't get forgiven easily.

Exactly. Places to go, people to see. Our economy works because we do things in a timely manner -- except for the government and really big corporations, but those are obvious and universal exceptions, regardless of culture.

Another common tip has to do with personal space: Americans like it a lot. "Don't be overly physical if you meet someone," says Lonely Planet. Rough Guide suggests keeping arms-length distance except in the most crowded urban circumstances. Books gently deter cheek-kissing - especially outside of coastal cities - and, when it comes to the intricacies of when to hug or not hug, suggest simply following the Americans' lead.

Perhaps "coastal cities" is a bit too broad. Houston is a coastal city, and I can assure you that trying to kiss my cheek if you're not my wife or mother will earn you a quick and personal introduction to the pavement.