The Interrupt Culture September 17, 2016

[Martin Hash]

The difference in what is considered rude between the U.S. and Europe can be quite annoying. Case-in point: in America, if you order first, you are served first, and people don't cut in line. It's also acceptable to try and be first in line. On the other hand, Europeans treat queuing in line casually, are constantly vigilant in coercing the wait staff to serve them next, and abhor striving to be ahead of your neighbors.

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Here's the scenario: an American will rush to be first in line at a restaurant, assuming they will be served when their meal comes up, but this is actually rude behavior in Europe. A European will position themselves near the kitchen and intercept the waiter as they come out, or they will constantly pop their head up looking for a waiter & commandeer the food they are carrying. In this situation, an American will never be served because they don't interrupt, incorrectly assuming priority will be maintained. Our waiters also know there will be no tip if they surrender food too an insistent guest but Europeans don't tip so there is no adversarial relationship to maintain order. So, when in Europe, or around Europeans, adjust your activities accordingly or you will never eat.