Having dated Americans (I am a Canadian so I count as a foreigner), here are 7 important rules:

1. Always use a British accent if you have one. This makes them feel as if they are on Masterpiece Theatre or dating Prince Andrew. It does not matter if it is Cockney or Liverpudlian. They have no idea.

2. When at dinner, avoid sentences like: "Is the reason Americans are all so fat the huge portions they serve here?"

3. Do not, under any circumstances wince when they tell you that "knock you up" does not mean the same in America as it does elsewhere, as if this is brand new news.

4. Do not challenge them to find your home country on a map. Even a map with the names firmly written on them in large letters. This can ruin a really good evening.

5. Do not go and see a film from your home country with them on your first date, because you think it would be cute. If your home country is non-English speaking, wait at least until you are engaged to do this. One of you will invariably say something moronic about the other person's country, or bring up something that happened 200 years ago for which neither of you are to blame.

6. Avoid the following subjects: O.J. Simpson (#1), Waco (#2), the beauty queen kid who was murdered by her parents in Colorado but have never been arrested (#3), Monica Lewinsky (#4), Elian's Miami relatives (#5) or any other similar figure that tempts you to start a sentence beginning: "Are all Americans like..."?

7. ABOVE ALL STAY AWAY FROM THE FOLLOWING TWO WORDS: "GREEN CARD".

These may be more along the specific lines you are seeking, Mrrzy.

yours, Peter T.