According to a recent Reddit thread that asked Americans about things they didn’t realize were weird until they talked to non-Americans, several head-scratching aspects of American culture were highlighted. Some of the comments focused on the design of American restroom stalls, particularly the gap under the doors, which is not common in other countries where the stalls are completely sealed off. Another topic was how sick time at work is handled, with Americans being surprised to learn that in some countries, the doctor decides how long an employee should take off work, and employers are required to honor it.
The thread also touched on the complexity of American taxes, with many non-Americans expressing confusion over the system of figuring out what taxes are owed. Some shared stories of moving to countries where taxes are much simpler to navigate, such as Sweden, where taxes can be verified using a mobile app. Additionally, the American practice of tipping was highlighted, with some foreigners finding it odd that tipping is expected and often a necessary part of a service worker’s income, unlike in many other countries where service charges are included in the bill and tipping is not as common.
There was also discussion about American love for at-home garbage disposals, sugary foods in American cuisine, and the tendency for Americans to barely use their paid time off (PTO) compared to other countries. Many Americans shared that they rarely take a full week off work, and in some cases, taking more than two weeks off requires special approval. In contrast, countries like Australia offer employees four weeks of paid leave per year, which is seen as a generous benefit.
One area that sparked conversation was how Americans format dates differently from other countries, with Americans often saying the month before the day, such as “January 1st”. This format was defended by American commenters who explained that it aligns with the way dates are spoken. However, individuals from countries like the UK, where the day comes before the month, found this to be strange. Overall, the Reddit thread shed light on the unique cultural norms and practices in America that may seem unusual or perplexing to outsiders. By exploring these differences, Americans and non-Americans alike can gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and ways of life.
