20 Redditors Weight In On Things That Are Normal In Europe But Are Completely Absurd In America
"Leaving babies to nap outdoors in strollers."
From bathroom fees to public nudity, the list of everyday habits that feel normal across the Atlantic can sound downright absurd to U.S. readers.
That contrast is exactly what Reddit user u/vibrxncy asked about, and the responses came fast. Americans shared the European customs, routines, and public behaviors that caught them off guard, turning the discussion into a long list of culture shock moments.
Some of the answers are funny, some are practical, and a few are just plain strange from an American point of view. Here are the Reddit reactions that got the biggest response.
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
That one still feels bizarre to a lot of Americans.
6. Leaving babies to nap outdoors in strollers
Adler4290
7. Poop shelf toilet
HalfHearted_Fanatic
8. Public nudity
Great-Vacation8674
For some readers, this is where the culture gap really shows.
9. Cashiers sitting down to check you out
Mojak66
Also, this sounds like the AITA fight where a girlfriend asked her boyfriend to pay for his luxury travel add-ons.
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
That sounds convenient, and a little too easy.
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.
Some of these habits are hard to unsee.
Budget trip turned awkward, read about someone choosing separate hotel rooms to protect their personal space.
