Although the United States is a vast land of diversity, it’s also where you’ll find some shared habits that might make foreigners raise an eyebrow or two. Don’t get us wrong, these customs aren’t necessarily evil; they just add a little spice to the American way of life. Take tipping, for instance. In the US, it’s practically an Olympic sport to tip generously. And when it comes to portion sizes, they’re in a league of their own. But when you venture beyond American borders, be prepared for some curious glances when you try to tip your way through dinner or order a meal big enough to feed a small army. So, buckle up because we’re about to dive into 17 “normal” American customs that might just weird out the rest of the world.
Overly Optimistic
It’s amusing how Americans and Russians can react differently to the exact situations. For instance, if they encounter someone who’s taken a tumble on the street, an American’s first instinct might be to ask, “Are you all right?” Meanwhile, a Russian might inquire, “Are you ill?” It’s like a linguistic game of “wellness” versus “illness.” On the other side of the globe, our Japanese friends have some insights, too. They’ve noticed that making mistakes and failing in America carries a different weight. Instead of dwelling on missteps, Americans often embrace them with curiosity and a can-do attitude, saying, “Let’s try anyway!” It’s all about embracing the adventure of life, one cultural difference at a time.
Avoid Harsh Critiques
Regarding business etiquette, America is known for its informality, which can lead to some cross-cultural head-scratching. For example, amid a conversation with Americans, if they throw out phrases like, ‘I wonder if this is really the best solution?’ or ‘I’m wondering if we might need more time,’ they might as well be saying ‘no’ in disguise. It’s like a secret code only decipherable to the initiated. Germans, on the other hand, are known for their straightforwardness. So, when they respond with a simple ‘No,’ ‘That’s good,’ or ‘Just go ahead,’ it can leave Americans a tad puzzled or just plain mad. It’s a clash of communication styles that keeps the workplace intriguing!
Constantly Working
It’s no joke when discussing vacation time in the United States. A report from 2013 by the Center for Economic Policy and Research revealed that nearly a quarter of American workers find themselves without guaranteed paid leave. And for those lucky enough to have some, the average vacation allowance is just around 21 days. Here’s the kicker: the US stands alone among advanced economies in not guaranteeing paid vacation to its workforce. Meanwhile, across the pond in Europe, countries like Spain and Germany have their employers obliged to hand out roughly a month of paid vacation days each year. That’s the kind of math we all want to excel in!
The Public Restroom Exposure
When it comes to bathroom stalls, visitors to the US often find themselves in a perplexing situation. They’ve stumbled into a space odyssey with all the extra room underneath and around those stall doors. In fact, there are entire online forums dedicated to unraveling the mystery of why American-style bathroom stalls have so much space. It’s almost like they’re preparing you for a surprise guest appearance by your neighbor’s golden retriever while you’re just trying to handle your business. Our international friends might appreciate a little less “room to roam”!
Backseat Riding
Getting into a cab in the US can sometimes be a test of social norms. If you attempt the front seat, don’t be surprised if the driver gives you a bewildered look as if you’re about to co-pilot the journey. However, hop over to places like Australia or New Zealand, and the script flips. In those lands down under, sliding into the backseat is the way to go, and sitting in the front might raise eyebrows, making you seem a tad elitist. It’s the cab culture switcheroo that keeps global travelers on their toes!
Advertise Overload
Prescription drug advertisements in the US often leave the rest of the world raising their eyebrows in bewilderment. Why? In most places, direct-to-consumer drug ads are a no-go due to legality issues. And if you thought that was strange, just wait until you see the lawyer commercials. As one visitor to the US hilariously put it, it’s like being amid a “Saul Goodman style” legal marketing extravaganza. You can’t escape the lawyer ads. Even your vacation villa has a side of attorney brochures and fridge magnets. It’s like they’re practicing law everywhere, even in your dreams!
The Halloween Obsession
Halloween in the United States has been slowly making its mark globally. Some folks find it a tad peculiar and blame Americans’ knack for commercializing every holiday. Still, others can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Take, for instance, the experience of one online user who moved from Poland to the US at 26. It nearly shattered their candy-loving heart when they learned they were considered “way too old” for trick-or-treating during their first Halloween stateside. The lure of free sweets knows no age boundaries. Halloween might just be the universal sugar rush we all secretly crave!
Tailgate
The cultural puzzle of American football can truly baffle non-Americans. It’s strange enough that American football bears little resemblance to what most of the world calls football. But, the unique culture surrounding professional and college-level American football adds an extra layer of bewilderment. It’s like deciphering a code where touchdown dances and tailgating are the secret handshake. So, if you are scratching your head while watching a game, just remember you’re not alone in the international confusion about this peculiar American pastime!
Go Into Debt for a Degree
The jaw-dropping cost of college in the US has Europeans doing double takes. Nowadays, the price tag is nearly $26,000 a year for public, in-state colleges and a whopping $55,000 for private universities. Now, compare that to the lucky students in places like France and Germany who can waltz into college for free. It’s like comparing a budget-friendly cafe to a five-star restaurant with an eye-popping bill. American college fees might make your wallet wince. Still, hey, at least you get a diploma and a lifetime supply of student loan payments!
Insist on Variety
The American love for variety can be overwhelming, as noted by one UK resident online. They humorously pointed out that more is needed in the US to have just one option. Everything comes in a rainbow of flavors and variations, from blueberry to vanilla, diet to low-fat, low-sodium to big, small to round, and even grape! Yes, grape flavor enters every nook and cranny of American snacks and drinks. Meanwhile, grape-flavored treats remain as elusive as a unicorn in the UK. It’s a flavorful tale of two countries!
Expect Free Refills
The phenomenon of free refills on soft drinks and coffee is a uniquely American concept, typically found in American fast food joints. However, as these American chains expand their global footprint, free refills are beginning to make appearances elsewhere, sparking a mix of reactions. This year, France took a stand against unlimited soda refills, aiming to combat rising obesity rates. It’s as if they said, “Enough is enough!” to the endless stream of fizzy refreshments. So, while the world debates the pros and cons of limitless refills, the soda fountain saga continues to bubble on!
Eat It All
The sheer size of American meals can leave visitors wide-eyed and gobsmacked. It’s like entering a food universe where everything is supersized. Researchers conducted a delightful experiment, comparing snacks in Philadelphia to their Parisian counterparts. The results were jaw-dropping: US candy bars were a whopping 41% larger, sodas bubbled up to 52% bigger, and yogurt servings? They were a creamy 82% larger. So, when folks immigrate to the land of big bites, their waistlines sometimes face a similar growth spurt. Welcome to America, where even the yogurt comes in XL!
Measure in Miles, Feet, and Inches
It’s an undeniable head-scratcher, yet it never fails to baffle people worldwide. In a world that mostly plays by the metric rulebook, the United States, Liberia, and Myanmar decided to take a different route and roll with the imperial measurement system. It’s like the rest of the world is speaking one language. At the same time, America is busy using a tape measure that stubbornly insists on inches and feet. So, while most folks count in centimeters, Americans keep the torch burning for yards and pounds. It’s a measurement mystery that continues to amuse and perplex!
The Grinning Menace
The idea that Americans are exceptionally friendly might have its roots in their immigrant heritage. As a diverse nation, the US has a long history of people coming together from all corners of the globe. Experts suggest that this blending of cultures and languages led to the development of non-verbal communication, like smiling at strangers, to bridge language gaps. So, when you find Americans grinning at you on the street, just know it’s their way of saying, “Hey there, we’re all in this together!” It’s a universal language of friendliness, often met with pleasant confusion by non-Americans.
Laugh Out Loud
Cultural norms in Japan differ, and showing teeth is considered impolite. This is why they might find the American penchant for hearty, open-mouthed laughter perplexing. While Americans might be letting loose with boisterous guffaws, the Japanese might politely stifle giggles behind closed lips. It’s like a laughter culture clash where one side is about the toothy grins while the other keeps their smiles under wraps. So, when laughter transcends borders, it can sometimes bring a dose of cultural humor!
Prude-Like
In a land where swimwear leans more towards board shorts than Speedos, it’s hardly shocking that the idea of nude sunbathing raises some eyebrows. In their official travel advisories to their citizens heading to the US, the German government pointed out that disrobing on the beach can be seen as a bit too much. So, while some beaches worldwide might invite you to bear it all, keeping your swimsuit firmly fastened and your beach escapades fully clothed in the US is best. It’s the American way, after all!
Chat Up Strangers
The American love for small talk can leave non-natives scratching their heads, significantly if they didn’t grow up discussing the weather in depth. What’s even more puzzling is the classic “How are you?” greeting. To many, it sounds like an invitation to pour out your soul, but it’s often just a polite pleasantry. So, when you find yourself divulging your deepest thoughts in response to this seemingly innocent question, remember you’re not alone in the small talk maze. It’s a linguistic adventure with many twists and turns!
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