10 Shocking American Habits To Europeans
10 Shocking American Habits To Europeans
Americans have some unique habits that often surprise Europeans. From casual dining to everyday conveniences, these practices can seem quite unusual to someone from across the pond. Let’s explore some of the American habits that might leave Europeans speechless.
1. Saying “Mmh” to Say Thank You
In the U.S., it’s not uncommon to hear someone say “mmh” as a casual way to express thanks, especially in informal settings. While Europeans might expect a clear “thank you,” this nonverbal American shortcut can seem puzzling. “Mmh” might come across during a quick exchange in a busy coffee shop or at a checkout.
2. Ordering In as a Normal Dinner Practice
Ordering food delivery is a standard practice for many Americans, not just for special occasions but for regular meals too. Busy lifestyles and abundant delivery options make it convenient to have dinner brought to your doorstep. “Let’s just order pizza tonight” is a common solution to the dinner dilemma in many American households.
3. Eating Pop Tarts for Breakfast
Pop Tarts, a pre-packaged, toaster-ready pastry, are a popular breakfast choice in America, especially among those rushing in the mornings. This quick and sweet start to the day might seem unusual for Europeans who are accustomed to more traditional or wholesome breakfasts. “Just grab a Pop Tart before school!” is a frequent morning call in many homes.
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4. Taking the Car Everywhere
Americans are known for their car-centric lifestyle, often driving even short distances. In many U.S. cities, public transport options are limited, and the infrastructure is designed for driving, making cars essential for everyday travel. “I’ll just drive there; it’s only five minutes by car,” exemplifies this preference.
5. Always Needing to Grab a Drive Through Drink
The convenience of drive-through services for buying a drink is something many Americans enjoy regularly. Whether it’s coffee, soda, or a smoothie, grabbing a drink without leaving the car is a hallmark of American lifestyle. “I need my drive-through coffee to start the day,” reflects this daily habit.
6. Tipping
Tipping is a deeply ingrained practice in the U.S. and can be perplexing to Europeans. In America, it’s customary to tip waitstaff, bartenders, and various service workers, often around 15-20% of the bill. This is expected over and above the listed price, as a part of the service culture.
7. Adding Taxes to the Price While Grocery Shopping
In the U.S., sales tax is added at the register, which means the shelf price is not the final price you pay. This can be confusing for Europeans, who are used to seeing and paying the final price marked on items. “Why is this more expensive than the price tag?” is a common question among visitors.
Read More: 23 Things Americans Do Without Realizing How Weird They Are
8. Eating in Class in High School
Eating during class is not unusual in American high schools. Teachers may allow students to snack during lessons, especially in more informal settings or longer classes. This can be quite a shock to Europeans, where eating usually happens during breaks and is rarely allowed in classrooms.
9. Not Having a Proper Lunch
In America, lunch can often be a quick, light meal, such as a sandwich or salad, unlike the hot, more substantial lunches common in Europe. Many Americans view lunch as a quick break rather than a main meal, saying, “I’ll just have a salad for lunch today.”
10. Not Eating Together Every Dinner
Unlike many European cultures where family meals are a daily ritual, it’s common in the U.S. for family members to have dinner at different times due to varying schedules. “We eat whenever we can, sometimes separately,” might be the practical approach in an American home, reflecting the fast-paced American lifestyle.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.