America likes to believe it's the greatest country in the world. However, Americans have some pretty weird customs and habits that either waste time or just make no sense at all. Find out how other countries view these things and realize that you actually probably do a lot of these weird traits yourself.
Smiling Too Much
It seems like it's almost impossible to go into a retail store or a restaurant without being greeted by an onslaught of grins and niceties. One thing Americans do far too much of is smiling at perfect strangers. Most of the time, it just makes other people uncomfortable.
Jaywalking
In most countries, people cross the street with caution and abide by traffic laws. In the United States, jaywalking is a common occurrence because pedestrians have the right of way. But what about when accidents happen? Everyone should look both ways whether they think they have to or not.
Saying "Ma'am"
It used to be a common courtesy to refer to olden women, like teachers, mothers, or grandmothers as "ma'am," but now that seems antiquated and unnecessary. It was a common phrase in the South, but in countries like Europe, "ma'am" hasn't been used in decades. You'll only catch Oliver Twist saying it in the old movies.
Blasting The AC
Americans love their air conditioner. But if you've ever summered in Europe, you know that Europeans really don't. A fan or two in one room is really all they need, while over in the States we're content to rack up the electrical bills and sit in an ice box all summer.
Too Many Trash Cans
What's the deal with lining the driveway with trash cans, and yet the United States has the highest litter rate in the world? People in Japan will walk with their trash for blocks if they're out and about and don't see a trash can. We could learn a thing or two about how other countries conserve their ecosystems.
Overly Confident
So many Americans can argue themselves until they're blue in the face. However, that doesn't always mean they're right. Overconfidence often comes off as arrogance, and it wouldn't hurt to just listen and make informed decisions.
So Many TV Commercials
For those with cable, hour-long programs are closer to 40 minutes, with 20 minutes of commercial time. Many people have done away with cable in general to avoid the lame infomercials and tear-jerking animal adoption campaigns. Most other countries don't have nearly as many time-killing commercials on their channels as the US does.
Bathroom Stall Gaps
What's the deal with these? It's uncomfortable no matter which side of the stall you're on. Many other public bathrooms have regular doors that allow no room for peeking through. Doesn't that sound more ideal, not to mention private?
Speaking Your Mind
Many Americans like to speak their minds whether or not they're completely educated on the topic. However, freedom of speech doesn't mean you can say whatever, whenever you want without regard for other people's feelings. Educated and deliberate discussions are much more effective than shouting into a void.
A Weird Love of French Bread
Americans love all things artisanal, especially when it comes to the kitchen. Whether it's soft cheeses, cured meats, fancy spices, or fresh bread, Americans just love being able to make things at home that they can buy at restaurants. French bread is one fixation that actually isn't even French, it's just fresh-baked.
Always Wearing Baseball Caps
Americans love wearing baseball caps, usually at places besides the ballpark. Some people go so far as to wear them to fancy restaurants, parties, and other events where hats definitely aren't appropriate. In most cases, the hat doesn't make the look, guys.
So Many Flavors
Whoever thought there needed to be more flavors besides classic, barbecue, and sour cream and onion were wrong. There doesn't need to be a bacon-flavored chip or a waffle flavored chip. Stick with what works, because the excess flavor powder is just straight up gross.
Flag Pride
For whatever reason, states love to fly their flags. Americans really do love to pull the freedom card, but you don't see other states in other countries being so aggressively patriotic. While some see it as a civil right, others see it as a flag in their face.
There's Always a Hostess
Most restaurants in Europe work on a "seat yourself" protocol. For whatever reason, American restaurants always have hosts or hostesses. While it sometimes is for convenience sake for the staff, it usually just causes a pretty long wait.
Sales Tax
Where did sales tax even come from? Many European and Asian countries don't implement it in retail or food shopping. The sales tax is never a part of the initial price of the item, which makes pretty much no sense. And it varies from state to state to make it even more confusing.
Saying "Restroom"
What's wrong with "bathroom," "toilet," "water closet," or anything other than restroom? Why are people so weird about talking about the bathroom? In other countries, the term "restroom" is just confusing and conjures up images of a bedroom. There's no need to be shy!
Laws Between State Lines
Unlike other countries, the laws change between US state lines, and that doesn't make much sense. There should be continuity within one country, but that isn't the case within the United States. A crime committed in Pennsylvania could result in a warning there, or years in prison somewhere else.
Talking Loudly
Americans are known for being stereotypically loud talkers. They tend to overpower conversations and take obnoxious phone calls in public spaces like busses or cafes. It seems to be a national problem that other countries don't seem to have.
Doctor Ads
Apparently, it's really weird for a doctor to have a commercial about himself unless he's McDreamy. Most doctors are found via word of mouth from a trustworthy source, not from a subway ad or a bus bench. That just seems a little distasteful.
Enormous Highways
What's the deal with eight-lane highways? Why are they necessary? Making highways wider doesn't get rid of the amount of traffic or make commutes faster, it does the complete opposite.
Not Using The Metric System
The United States is one of the only nations that doesn't use the easy metric system. It's based on units of 10 and is universally simple. The US uses the Imperial System, which is based on inches, feet, ounces, and pounds.
They're Called Sneakers
Trainers? Tennis shoes? Nope. Not in the US. We wear sneakers, but no other country follows that term. Foreigners are also able to spot an American by the type of sneakers they wear.
Overusing Ice
Many foreign countries don't ice their drinks at all, but Americans will often ask for a glass just filled with ice along with their drink. Room temperature beverages are a cultural norm in places like France but an insult in the United States. There's a reason even hotels sell bags of ice here.
Listing Drug Side Effects
The United States is one of the only places whose healthcare system allows you to request specific drugs from your doctor rather than them referring one to you. The US is also one of the only places that advertises drugs on TV and lists all of the lengthy side effects in commercials.
Never Leaving Your Car
These days, you can go to drive-through restaurants, drive-through pharmacies, and even drive-through grocery stores. You never have to leave your car anymore, which is a very rare thing in other countries. Brick and mortar stores and restaurants will soon be a thing of the past at the rate we rely on convenience and technology.
Lots of State Pride
Whenever Americans travel, they usually refer to where they're from by the state rather than just by saying they're from America. Someone from Italy, for example, will likely not say they're from Rome specifically. It's an odd thing Americans do that isn't picked up on until it's pointed out.
Free Condiments
Americans love their ketchup. So much so that it's pretty much always free either right on tables or at a communal condiment station. In other countries, these little extras are rarely just up for grabs and come with an extra price.
Singing in Public
Americans do like to sing in public, but why? Walking down the street singing and dancing is a pretty weird sight. In most other countries, if you have a place to be, you walk and you get there and you don't do any dillydallying in between.
Tipping 15%
In most restaurants, tipping 15% isn't enough, yet that's the standard American tipping rate. 20% or over is courteous, and the norm in most other countries, but Americans are notoriously stingy. Think about tacking on the extra 5% next time you go out.
Confusing Money
The monetary system in America is confusing for nearly everybody, but especially for blind people. All the bills feel exactly the same and the coins are too similar in size to be differentiated between easily. In countries like England, their money is all different shapes, sizes, and textures. In most cases, the money will likely become totally virtual in a few years, anyways.
Boring Conversation Starters
Ever notice how someone asks, "How are you?" but they don't really care about the reply, and then you still feel obligated to ask the question in return? It's a weird formality that people say when they start a conversation but just leads to pointless banter. Americans are really great at this.
Cashier Small Talk
Most people like self-checkout so they can avoid cashier small talk. The panicked "hey this juice is really great," kind of conversation is just the product of feeling awkward and pressed for time while scanning your items. In reality, cashiers aren't exactly thrilled to be there either.
Stranger Small Talk
There's nothing worse than making small talk while in line or on the bus or some other place where you'd rather just be left alone. Again, Americans just really love to talk, and even if the other person isn't super receptive to a conversation, it doesn't matter. In other countries, people value their alone time while out and about.
Pajamas in Public
Americans, no matter how busy they are, still think it's acceptable to wear pajama pants while running quick errands. To foreigners, this is completely weird. There's a reason why most "People of Walmart" are in their PJs.
Late Night Hangs
A lot of places in the US are open 24 hours, so that way if you're out late with your friends, you can satisfy whatever post-midnight snack you want. In Europe, though it's custom to eat meals late, that doesn't mean that stores and restaurants will also be open for your 3 a.m. activities. Go to bed!
Huge Pickup Trucks
Don't mess with someone's 4 by 4. The bigger the wheels, the tougher the man (apparently). Americans love driving enormous pickup trucks, but in other countries, they're used primarily for work or moving jobs and not driven as an everyday car.
Free T Shirts
Any sporting event, concert, career fair, party, etc. almost always gives out free swag like t-shirts. And for what? Why do Americans love free stuff? Shirts that they'll never wear again don't seem like a memorable prize from your event.
Pharmacies That Sell Everything
Isn't it kind of ironic that pharmacies in the US sell prescriptions for lung disease and cigarettes in the same place? Or pet food and cat allergy pills? Why can't pharmacies just be pharmacies? This is an oxymoron that other countries just don't understand.
"Old" Isn't Really That Old
People in the states consider things like houses build within the last 100 years as old, but in reality that actually isn't true. Houses in other countries could have been built within the last 200 years and are still liveable and updatable. Something built within the last century is actually viewed as somewhat modern.
Writing The Month First
America is the only country that writes out the date starting with the month. June 2, 2020, isn't custom in other countries. They write 2 June 2020. For whatever reason, we just won't conform.
Our Bread Tastes "Sweet"
White bread in America actually has a weird sweet flavor that isn't common anywhere else. Most countries favor tastes like sourdough or robust, herby flavors. But in the US, white bread and the dreaded Wonder Bread are top tier.
Expecting Free Drink Refills
Believe it or not, free refills aren't a normal thing. Unless you're only ordering water, don't expect to have your coffee or soda topped off without being tacked onto the bill at the end of your meal. It goes without saying in restaurants in other countries that you'll pay for your extras.
Using Toilets With Lots of Water
Most foreign toilets have very little water in the bowl, which is a strange concept if you aren't used to it. But as it's been said, America is falling way behind on conservation efforts. One of the easiest places to start is in the bathroom by using less water while you shower, brush your teeth, and yes, even use the toilet.
Walking With Huge To-Go Cups
America runs on caffeine, that's no secret. But the need to carry an extra-large cup with us wherever we go seems a little addictive, doesn't it? We're one of the only countries that have normalized this. Drink your coffee at home!
Taking Leftovers Home
It doesn't seem weird until you consider that other places don't do this, but taking leftovers from your dinner is actually kind of gross. This is necessary for America because the portion sizes are usually way too big for one person to finish in one sitting, but in other countries, portion sizes are much more manageable and don't require a doggie bag.
Giant Meals
That being said, Americans live to eat. The portion sizes have only gotten bigger and bigger over the years, and with the option to supersize meals at most fast-food chains, the belief that "bigger is better" prevails. But when you notice the size of the American waistline, you'll probably realize that that definitely isn't always true.
Drinking From Red Solo Cups
Solo cups are the first thing you associate with colleges and parties, but why not just drink out of whatever container your beverage came in? Solo cups are also a sneaky way to drink-shame people into not sharing what specifically they're consuming. If you don't want to drink alcohol at a party, pour some soda in a solo cup and you still look cool.
Wearing Swimsuits to the Beach
This seems like a no-brainer, right? Wrong. In most countries, people go to the beach wearing next to nothing. Americans are pretty modest on that front, and people traveling into the states have to be warned about wearing clothing while going to the beach so they don't break any laws.
Going Into Debt To Attend College
America has one of the most expensive education systems in the world. Anyone today will rarely leave college debt-free considering the hefty price tag most four-year schools boast. In other countries, it's a given that anyone will be able to afford a college education and not have to worry about paying it off for the rest of their lives.
Throwing Baby Showers
Throwing baby showers and gender reveal parties is a pretty weird tradition. While it's viewed as a fun custom in the US, it's considered kind of rude elsewhere. To go and give gifts to expectant parents or attend an over the top cake cutting party is a little odd, and we can't forget about parents who struggle to conceive. It can be insensitive and emotional for them.
Working Long Hours
Americans are used to the 40+ hour work week and don't expect much vacation time in return. In other countries, work hours are pretty flexible, and vacation time and mental health days are given out often rather than stressed over. Overworking yourself is seen as unnecessary and unhealthy.
Misusing the Word "Football"
Europeans got this one right. Why is American soccer not called "football" as it is in other countries? In soccer, you kick the ball with your foot. In American football, you do no such thing. The discrepancy is confusing.
Wearing Shoes Inside
This is a pretty gross habit, actually. Americans have normalized walking around the house in their shoes, and they don't consider all of the outside germs they're tracking around the carpet. In countries like Japan, you have to immediately take your shoes off if you even want to step foot in somebody's home.
Calling it "Tuna Fish" Instead of "Tuna"
One Reddit user made a good point with this one. "Why do Americans say 'tuna fish'? Is there another species of tuna that I'm not aware of?" Where did the nomenclature for this come from? Why do we overly confuse everything?
The Grading System
Why does the American school system grade with A, B, C, D, and F, but not E? Why did they skip that letter? Why not just grade with numerical percentages in the first place?
Mispronouncing Words
The word "caramel" has an "a" in the middle, yet most Americans pronounce it like "carmel." Why? This issue comes up in language all the time. "Crayon" or "Cran"?
Liquor Stores
In most other countries, beer and liquor are conveniently sold right in supermarkets. Most places in America sell alcohol in separate stores, creating one huge hassle for shoppers. Some supermarkets are normalizing this, but for the most part, your Wine and Spirits store is still going strong.
Glorifying High School
Americans love to revisit the glory days of high school. But do they ever consider the fact that, for the most part, everyone hated it? In other countries, high school is considered one of the most awkward periods of a person's life. Who would want to relive being thirteen?
Expensive Healthcare
America boasts one of the most expensive and confusing healthcare systems in the world. Most foreign countries, especially in Europe, offer free or universal healthcare for everyone. The right to seek affordable medical treatment should be a no brainer, right?
Measuring Things in "Football Fields"
This is truly one of the most useless measuring techniques ever heard of. How are you supposed to gauge the length of a football field in comparison to anything else? Who came up with that? In other countries, they don't even have football.