Many aspects vary from Europeans to Americans to South Americans… Not to mention between continents, often leaving individuals perplexed about the lifestyles of those in distant lands. Whether it’s the peculiarities of faucets, window designs, or shopping customs, certain things may seem utterly bewildering to those unaccustomed to them. Recently, Redditors engaged in a lively discussion on this subject, sparked by a question posed to the ‘Ask Reddit’ community. Specifically, they reached out to American members of the group, inquiring about elements of European culture or behavior that baffle them. The responses were abundant and varied. Take a moment to peruse their answers below and determine for yourself whether they resonate with your own sense of logic or leave you equally puzzled.
1. Everything’s close in Europe
“I’m Canadian, but it’s always baffled me that some Europeans consider a half hour’s worth of driving a long time. That wouldn’t even get me out of the area I’d consider local” – TwoFingersWhiskey
2. Carpets gross out Europeans
“Im from Europe myself (uk) and find it strange some people here have carpet in their bathroom. ITS DISGUSTING” – ArtisticAustisic
3. Why do you have to pay for tap water at restaurants?
“Why the hell don’t you guys just serve tap water (if it’s OK to drink) to tables when they sit down? I’m currently in Europe and a handful of restaurants will not even serve you tap water and you have to buy it. This is in many countries too! Wtf it’s free and right there!!!” –veexn
4. Why don’t Europeans use top sheets?
“No top sheets on beds. The first time I experienced “European Style” bedding, I was so confused. When I asked about the top sheet, I was told they only use a duvet. I’m a hot sleeper, so I didn’t use it. Ended up sleeping without a sheet over me, which was uncomfortable. But, when in Rome…” –Quantum_Compass
5. Football Hooliganism Credit: dosetoyevsky
“Football hooliganism. You’ll beat people just for wearing the wrong shirt to the wrong bar. Its a horrendous practice” – dosetoyevsky
6. Elective parties are weird
“As an idiot American with 2 parties, I only understand left-wing and right-wing, Europeans have a party for everything. It’s confusing, but I wish we weren’t a 2 party state tbh” – LukmanAbdulkahSilvia
7. Do Europeans use clothes dryers? Credit: Shutterstock
“Do any Europeans have a clothes dryer? Why do I think that’s not standard?” – MrsZerg
8. What’s with all the rentals?
“Rent their whole lives. I saw this in Germany. I know it’s becoming the norm in the US, too, but it just seemed weird to me the first time I visited 30 years ago that most Germans rented their entire lives and never even thought about buying a house.” – RiffRandellsBF
9. Why do Europeans shop day to day for their groceries? Credit: Shutterstock
“It makes sense to me, but it still seems marvelous to me that in France (other places I’m sure, but I learned this in French class) it is common to buy groceries every day. You may wake up and go to the bakery for fresh baked bread, or stop by for fresh produce on the way home to make dinner. Yes, having walkable grocery stores nearby makes it easier, it seems so much easier to buy 3-4 days or a week’s worth of groceries at a time.” – dishonourableaccount
10. Better Chocolate Credit: Shutterstock
“Better chocolate. Why can’t we have nice chocolate?” – HibibitySkibibity
“Because since WW2 Americans are used to the taste of butyric acid. It used to be used to keep the milk from spoiling, now it’s added because Americans actually prefer it that way.” – Jihana
And so forth.
