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11 Things Europeans Do That Americans Find Really Weird

Every country has different cultures and traditions. One thing that is normal in one country might be weird in another. On an online platform, Americans shared what they find weird in Europeans.

1. No Personal Space in Lines

Queue is the good thing that can reflected a regulation of people.
Photo credit: next143 // Shutterstock.com

One American stated that he had lived in Germany for 3 years. He finds that there is no personal space while standing in a line waiting. People of Europe (or at least Germany) do not consider personal space necessary when standing in a line. He added, “I’d be standing in line at a store and the next person behind me is breathing down my neck.”

2. August is Off in Europe

Happy large family gathered in parental home for family party, cheerfully talking in cozy living room
Photo credit: BearFotos // Shutterstock.com

Many European people do not do work in the month of August. The streets, offices, and schools are on leave this month. Even doctors seem scarce in this period. This is because August is the summer vacation month in most parts of Europe. When any American visits Europe for the first time, they find it weird how few people are working.

3. Late-Night Dinners

Ascoli Piceno,Italy/ June 2016/ Late night eating in Plaza
Photo credit: Ketch 22 Photography // Shutterstock.com

Americans generally do not eat dinner late at night. The absolute latest hours for dinner for Americans are 8 to 9 pm. On the other hand, there is a culture of late-night dinners in Europe. They eat their last meal even from 12 pm to 2 am. This is really shocking for Americans when they encounter Europeans who have these habits.

4. Adaptation to the Environment

Portrait of a frozen young couple dressed in sweaters and scarves standing together isolated over beige background, shaking, looking at each other
Photo credit: Dean Drobot // Shutterstock.com

Americans are very hardworking and passionate in their fields and work. They can adapt to extreme environments such as heat, cold, humidity, and abrupt changes in weather. But the Europeans are totally different in this case. In many cases, Europeans often prefer to leave work in a harsh environment. 

5. Bathroom Light Switches Are on the Outside

Row of eight light switches, while a finger switches on one light switch.
Photo credit: FrankHH // Shutterstock.com

Commonly, the switches of bathrooms or toilets are outside of the room in Europe. No matter it is a public or private toilet, switches are not inside. The European logic for this is while entering a dark room. It is difficult to find the switch. Americans find the switch place and logic both weird because they have these light buttons inside the bathroom.

6. Smoking Culture

Ouch it probably hurts. Pity good-looking modern brunette woman in yellow t-shirt cringe and grimace as seeing someone got punched in face, folding lips and look uneasy camera, white background
Editorial credit: Cookie Studio / Shutterstock.com

Smoking is very much common in Europe. Age and gender do not matter in this regard. In streets and malls, it seems every second person will be holding a cigarette in his hand. In America, the smoking rate is low. Thus, when Americans visit Europe, they find this smoking culture weird.

7. Nudity in Europe is Normal

Sensual young woman relaxing in spa swimming pool
Photo credit: BGStock72 // Shutterstock.com

One five-star spa and beauty salon owner in America claimed that when they attend European men and women, they are so comfortable getting naked, just like it is nothing. One commenter said this is because, “In most of Europe, nudity is not inherently sexualized (like it is in America).”

8. Leaving Babies Napping Outside

Baby girl sleeping in pram on outdoor terrace of Parisian street cafe with cup of hot coffee on the table. Going out with kids
Photo credit: Ekaterina Pokrovsky// Shutterstock.com

Some Americans commented how they found it strange that some Europeans (specifically in the Scandinavian countries) would leave their babies napping outside, alone, in chilly weather. Europeans explained that this was super common years ago. One said, “Doing the housework and baby needs fresh air? Put them outside in their pram. Going into a shop for a couple of things? Pram outside.” One man said his father worked in Bulgaria in the 80s, and it was common to see babies napping outside. “Housewives going into the stores, leaving a line of babies in the street where the sun shined and uncovering their faces so they’d get Vitamin D.”

9. “How are you doing?” is Not a Greeting in Europe

White mature barista woman smiling and welcoming customers while working in cafe indoors
Photo credit: Dean Drobot // Shutterstock.com

When you ask Europeans “How are you doing?” They think it’s a personal question instead of an American greeting. One American also said, “I work with a lot of European military, and they all say the same thing. “Why do you ask how I am, if you do not care??” Fair point!

10. Twin Beds in Hotels in Europe

Bedroom with two twin beds pushed together, headboard upholstered in green fabric, wicker and metal bedside tables and a beautiful lamp on the ceiling
Photo credit: Toyakisphoto // Shutterstock.com

When Americans visit Europe and have to stay at hotels, they find many things strange. For example, in hotels, single twin beds are joined side by side. They are joined to make king/ queen beds for a two-person room. Americans find it illogical that when there is a facility of king beds, then why join two?

11. Washing Machines In The Kitchen

Interior of modern kitchen with washing machine. Laundry day
Photo credit: Africa Studio // Shutterstock.com

In Europe, people are used to doing laundry in the kitchen. According to Europeans, the switches are present in the kitchen. That is why it is easy to use the washing machine there. For Americans, this is not normal.

Source: Reddit

14 of the Most “American” Cooking Ingredients and Foods

pretty long redhead ginger girl eating fries chicken in studio pink background
Editorial credit: yurakrasil / Shutterstock.com

I scoured the depths of an online platform to gather insights from different people and compiled a list of the top contenders. Let’s explore the most American cooking ingredient and foods!

Read more: 14 of the Most “American” Cooking Ingredients and Foods

The 12 Most Annoying Misconceptions About the U.S. That Americans Say Foreigners Need to Drop ASAP

High angle view of happy multi ethnic people holding American flag
Editorial credit: sirtravelalot / Shutterstock.com

On an online platform, Americans share the most annoying misconceptions foreigners have about the U.S. 

Read more: The 12 Most Annoying Misconceptions About the U.S. That Americans Say Foreigners Need to Drop ASAP

10 of the Best Places to Travel in Europe This Summer to Beat the Crowds

Amazing iconic old town Mostar with famous bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina, popular tourist destination
Photo credit: leoks / Shutterstock.com

Recently on an online platform, people suggested some of the greatest spots to visit in Europe this June that are away from the tourist crowds.

Read more: 10 of the Best Places to Travel in Europe to Beat the Crowds

Don’t Fall for the Hype: 10 Overrated Tourist Traps in Europe That Aren’t Worth Your Time

Amazing sunset view with white houses in Oia village on Santorini island in Greece.
Photo credit: gorillaimages / Shutterstock.com

Europe is full of iconic landmarks and tourist destinations, attracting millions annually. However, not all of these destinations live up to their hype. This post will explore some of the biggest tourist traps in Europe according to travelers who have experienced them firsthand.

Read more: Don’t Fall for the Hype: 10 Overrated Tourist Traps in Europe That Aren’t Worth Your Time

12 Cities Outside the United States That Americans Love

Two geishas wearing traditional japanese kimono among Sensoji Temple in Asakusa Tokyo, Japan.
Editorial credit: Phattana Stock / Shutterstock.com

Regarding favorite cities outside of the US, everyone has their own preferences. Recently on an online platform, Americans shared their favorite cities worldwide.

Read more: 12 Cities Outside the United States That Americans Love

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