20 Redditors Weight In On Things That Are Normal In Europe But Are Completely Absurd In America
"Leaving babies to nap outdoors in strollers."
We frequently hear about things that are completely normal in the US but seem weird to the rest of the globe. You name it: free refills, high medical bills, expensive education, or the enormous portion sizes.
However, location and time play a significant role in determining what we consider normal and what causes us to raise our eyebrows. In this post, we'll be turning the tables and putting Europe in the spotlight.
The old continent features a plethora of cultures and practices that make it an extremely diverse place to live. Regardless of where you find yourself, most people in Europe agree that it is substantially different from the United States.
It's time to reveal those practices, habits, and manners that individuals in its 44 countries display that seem completely bizarre to Americans in particular. To further this research, Reddit user u/vibrxncy asked American users to share their experiences about things that are normal in Europe but completely absurd to them.
The conversation went viral, garnering 8.8k upvotes and more than 10k comments. We compiled a list of some of the more interesting and insightful comments to show that European countries are also home to a lot of oddballs!
1. Nude women on late night broadcast TV? Never in the prudeness of the USA.
DocBullseye2. Lack of window screens
According to Daniel Pink, a renowned author and behavioral expert, the decision to use window screens can often be influenced by practical considerations. He notes, "Some people prefer to let nature in, weighing the benefits of fresh air against the annoyance of bugs." In many European homes, the absence of screens is not viewed as unsanitary; rather, it reflects a lifestyle choice. Pink adds, "Bugs can be bothersome, but they don't necessarily indicate poor hygiene. It's about personal comfort and the environment you live in." Additionally, Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, emphasizes that "having screens can limit natural light and airflow, which are essential for a healthy living space." This perspective highlights that while screens may offer some protection, they can also detract from the overall ambiance of a home.
Trirefringent3. Ancient buildings everywhere
0ke_0
4. Underwater foundation
ByronLeftwich
5. Paying to use the bathroom in shopping malls
karaokechameleon
6. Leaving babies to nap outdoors in strollers
Adler4290
7. Poop shelf toilet
HalfHearted_Fanatic
8. Public nudity
Great-Vacation8674
9. Cashiers sitting down to check you out
Mojak66
10. Walkable / bikeable cities
TroubleonPoopyIsland
11. Small roads with narrow lanes
iamacraftyhooker
12. Using c*nt in some European countries isn't much of a big deal
Significant_Way2194
13. Restaurants serve water at room temperature
InvisibleMe21
14. Kissing can be considered a form of greeting in some European countries
Poorly-Drawn-Beagle
15. "You can take single cans from a box/6 pack of beer or soda in Norway and buy just that one"
ItIsEasyToMakeNewAcc
16. Too many languages to keep up with
Valley828
17. Storing eggs on the counter
Fixmy59bug
18. Throwing cigarette butts on the ground
sprayspraysprayspray
19. Using the sauna naked with strangers
GoddessOfOddness
20. Using one currency in different European countries
MattTheAccountant
21. Laundry machine in the kitchen
nohemingway4
22. Unsliced pizza
_PM_ME_YOUR_FORESKIN
23. Sweden's requirement for employees to have 4 consecutive weeks off in the summer
FluffyBat9210
Europe is a magnificent continent, and no matter where you come from, you'll discover cultural differences that may seem strange at first.
In addition, if you travel throughout Europe, you will observe that each country has its own unique attractions. This is one of the many reasons why the old continent is so intriguing.
Got any weird experiences to share about Europeans? Talk to us in the comments section.
