Americans have unique habits that can rub people from other countries the wrong way. While every culture has its quirks, certain American behaviors seem to stand out on the global stage. I’ve noticed these habits during my travels and chats with friends from around the world. This blog post will explore 20 American habits that tend to annoy people from other countries.
Talking loudly in public
Americans often speak louder than people from other cultures. This can be annoying in quiet places like restaurants or public transport. Loud talking can disrupt others and make it hard for them to focus or relax. Some cultures see loud speaking as rude or attention-seeking.
Wearing shoes indoors
Many cultures find it dirty or disrespectful to wear outdoor shoes inside homes. Americans often keep their shoes on indoors, which can gross out visitors. This habit can track dirt and germs into living spaces. It also goes against the customs of many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
Referring to the US as the greatest country
Many Americans believe and say that the US is the best country in the world. This can come across as arrogant or ignorant to people from other nations. It ignores the strengths and achievements of other countries. This attitude can make it seem like Americans aren’t interested in learning about different cultures.
Using Fahrenheit and imperial measurements
Most of the world uses Celsius and the metric system. American use of Fahrenheit and imperial units can be confusing for visitors. It makes it hard for non-Americans to understand weather forecasts or recipes. This difference can lead to misunderstandings or mistakes in international communications.
Lack of vacation time
Americans typically get less vacation time than people in many other countries. This can make them seem overworked or unable to relax. It can be hard for non-Americans to plan trips or social events with American friends. Some see this as a sign of an unhealthy work-life balance.
Portion sizes
American food portions are often much larger than those in other countries. This can lead to a lot of food waste, which many find wasteful. Large portions can also promote overeating and unhealthy eating habits. Visitors often struggle to finish meals at American restaurants.
Tipping culture
The American tipping system confuses many visitors. In most countries, tipping isn’t expected or is much less common. Visitors often feel pressured to tip and struggle with figuring out the right amount. This can make dining out or using services stressful for tourists.
Excessive ice in drinks
Americans love ice-cold drinks, often filling glasses to the brim with ice. This can be shocking for people from cultures where drinks are served with little or no ice. Some find it waters down the drink too much. Others worry about the cleanliness of ice made from tap water.
Calling the USA America
Using the term “America” to refer only to the United States annoys people from other American countries. It ignores that America includes North, Central, and South America. This habit can seem self-centered to others, and it might make people from other American countries feel overlooked or disrespected.
Obsession with guns
The American relationship with guns is unique among developed nations. The right to bear arms and gun culture can be shocking to visitors from countries with stricter gun laws. The presence of guns in everyday life can make some tourists feel unsafe. Debates about gun rights often puzzle people from countries where gun ownership is rare.
Small talk with strangers
Americans often chat with strangers in public places. This can feel fake or intrusive to people from cultures where small talk isn’t common. Some find it tiring to always be expected to engage in casual conversation. It can also make it hard to have quiet time in public spaces.
Air conditioning everywhere
Many Americans keep indoor spaces very cold with air conditioning. This can be uncomfortable for visitors used to warmer temperatures. It also uses a lot of energy, which some see as wasteful. The sudden change in temperature when entering buildings can be jarring.
Eating while walking
In many cultures, it’s considered rude to eat while walking in public. Americans often snack on the go, which can seem rushed or impolite to others. Some cultures believe eating should be a sit-down, social activity. This habit can also contribute to litter on streets.
Asking What do you do?
Americans often ask about someone’s job early in a conversation. This can feel too personal or status-focused to people from other cultures. Some find it reduces people to their jobs rather than seeing them as whole persons. It can also make those who are unemployed or in less prestigious jobs uncomfortable.
Ads for prescription drugs
In most countries, advertising prescription medications directly to consumers is not allowed. Americans are used to seeing these ads, but they can shock visitors. Some worry this practice encourages the overuse of medications. It can also seem strange to ask a doctor for a specific drug you saw in an ad.
Calling sports championships World series
Calling events like the baseball World Series world championships when mostly American teams compete seems odd to others. It can come across as self-centered or ignoring international competition. This habit might make it seem like Americans don’t value or know about international sports. It can be confusing for sports fans from other countries.
Refills and free water
Free drink refills and water are common in American restaurants. While some enjoy this, others find it wasteful or unhealthy. It can encourage overconsumption of sugary drinks. In countries where water is scarce, this practice might seem especially wasteful.
Friendly customer service
American customer service is often very cheerful and friendly. While some appreciate this, others find it fake or overwhelming. It can feel intrusive to those used to more reserved service. Some cultures prefer a more professional or distant approach from service workers.
Patriotic displays
Americans often display their flag and other patriotic symbols. This level of patriotism can seem over the top to people from other countries. Some find it nationalistic or exclusionary. The frequent use of patriotic symbols in everyday life isn’t common in many other cultures.
Gaps in public restroom stalls
The large gaps in American public restroom stalls surprise many visitors. This lack of privacy can be uncomfortable for people from cultures with more private toilets. It can make using public restrooms a stressful experience. Some worry about accidentally making eye contact with someone through the gaps.
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