It is a form of respect, above all.
Greeting.
It's very common to greet with a nod or smile when you see a person walking down the road, especially if the place is not crowded or nobody else is there, even when you don't know each other.
This may not be true in big cities, but in medium and small centers it is an unwritten rule, but one that is also good for you.
There is no need to respond to the greeting “How are you?”. It is not the time to be telling about your life. “How are you ?” is used just as “Hello!” You may answer with another “How are you?” or just with a quick “Hi!”
I have noticed that everyone greets and smiles at you on walking trails such as hiking paths.
It is a sort of camaraderie and it is very common here.
Small gestures of courtesy.
It is important to keep the door open to those behind you, even if they are still far away.
This is true for everyone, but especially for mothers with babies in strollers or for the elderly. Sometimes it happened to me that they waited for me with the door open while I was still quite far from the entrance.
Being courteous is considered very important in Texas. And so it is to be friendly and smiling.
For instance, when you see people having to cross the street, you stop your car.
You don't try to pass by slaloming between them as we do in Italy. You are supposed to wait for them to be safely on the other side of the sidewalk.
Littering.
This specific English verb means leaving rubbish behind you on the road or in public places (even cigarette butts). Nobody does it as it is punishable by law, other than being considered very rude.
Part of the community work that inmates have to do is to pick up litter on the side of the highways.
Many associations also organize cleaning up events to pick up litter on the beach or around city parks.
It is often a team building experience shared with co-workers too.
Talking loudly in public places.
In the US nobody raises their voice.
An exception? The restaurants. People are very loud at restaurants perhaps because they have a drink or two or because of the relaxed atmosphere of the place.
Friendship.
Not to generalize, but so far I have experienced that Americans are very kind and very open. They seem like great friends from the first meeting: big smiles and pats on the back. They have a talkativeness favored by alcohol that leads them to tell you personal stories that sometimes even embarrass you for their sincerity.
Americans seem to be very generous. They roll up their sleeves and leave to help practically in situations of need and are also generous with their money. If they have economic possibilities, they make donations, otherwise they make time and skills available. Many services here are supported by volunteers.
Americans love their privacy though. It is difficult for an American friend to show up at your house saying ‘I was passing by and wanted to say hello.’
Appointments are always scheduled, calendar in hand and with long advance notices.
