The concept of family is different in the U.S. compared to countries like India. Most American families
consist of a mother and father with an average of 1-3 children. It is very common in most families that
both the mother and the father are employed full time and are at work while their children are at school
or a daycare facility. There are a large number of families in the United States that consist of one single
parent and children as a result of divorce or being unwed. In most families, once the child has become a
teenager and graduated from high school, he or she leaves the home and leads an independent lifestyle.
Most families, regardless of where they are located, will all get together to celebrate family occasions such
as weddings, reunions, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays.
In the U.S., the parents of an adult person are not considered their dependents or part of his/her
immediate family.
Some people get married and divorced several times, or even have children out of
wedlock. Relationships are sometimes confusing. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like "she is my
father's wife" (not necessarily the mother), "he is my mother's boyfriend," or "he is my son's father" (not
necessarily the husband).
Time Punctuality
Most Americans are very punctual. Most people arrive exactly on time or a few minutes early for an
appointment. Although most high tech jobs don't require exact arrival and departure times, most people
at most jobs arrive on time and work hard during their shifts. If there is an unexpected delay, it is
customary to inform the other party by calling them about the delay and apologize immediately upon
meeting.