The cultural shock of an European in the US

I have been in Florida a little over four months, and although it is not a long time, I think it is enough to have noticed some big differences compared to Europe. I have been living for a long time as an expat but in the Middle East, although life is definitely different, having a melting pot of cultures didn't give me the same cultural shock that I am encountering here.

So, here is a list (not in order of importance) of what is shocking me the most. Some may be silly things, some may be bigger ticket items. It is very personal and from my own perspective, I am sure other people coming from Europe might experience different things.

Small talks and "how are you" culture

I find it difficult to entertain small talks. I come from a country, Italy, where people are super nice and helpful, but where there is no need for useless and tiring small conversation over nothing. There is not much to gain in small talks.

And, when someone says to me, "Hey, how are you?" I am still getting used to not think that an actual reply is needed. In my mind, if you are not interested to know, why ask? But here this is the way it is, so learning to ask also and not expect an actual answer.

Selling weapons in normal shops

A couple of weeks ago, C and I went into a sports shop looking for tennis rackets. We did not find them, but instead, we found a huge weapons section. I was shocked. Literally next to the swim short aisle, you can buy a gun. And of course, I saw the same in big grocery stores.

I will sue you culture

You don't sue people in other parts of the world, unless it is for something big and you know you have some strong grounds. Try and sue the Italian government! But literally, I am thinking twice about breaking any rules here or getting into any sort of trouble. I definitely don't want to get sued.

Unhealthy foods and lifestyle

I was expecting this, to be honest, so it is a half cultural shock. But living it on a daily basis, well, it is harder than expected. Finding healthy ingredients is like a daily task that can take me hours in the supermarket. I started to make bread and cookies at home to reduce the amount of bad stuff in what we eat at home. And we limit our eating outside to once a week as a treat (mainly for a nice cocktail) to be able to go to higher-level restaurants to know that ingredients will be better (I hope, but who knows!) Europeans always think that Americans are all overweight. And it is sort of true; if they are not overweight, they still don't have healthy habits. It is scary, but I am definitely committed to not fall into the trap of becoming unhealthy without even realizing.

Restaurants and tipping culture

I have to be honest - I do not like it. It does bother me, and I think it will always do. I get it, salaries for service staff are low, but why do customers have to compensate instead of the employer paying a decent wage to his employees like everywhere else around the world? Something else I don't like is the huge overwhelming portions. Couldn't portions be smaller and avoid taking home what you didn't eat? Lastly, the iced water. It tastes funny and is way too cold. You basically don't have the time to ask for no ice because the free water comes to the table as soon as you sit. I heard Americans complaining that water in Europe is not free, but I would rather pay than drink the water in American restaurants.

Insurance and healthcare system

This is a big-ticket item that would need a post for itself. I have been living in the Middle East where the system was similar, but I still think the American one is harder to understand and work out. I am blessed to be covered by C's insurance, but I am in the process of learning what coding is and how to navigate finding a new GP and start with my check-ups - I am not looking forward to it. Yes, Italian healthcare is far from perfect, but at least it is free for everyone (yes, long wait, still need to contribute, etc.) but here, if you get sick, you need to budget for it. In Italy, you will be taken care of, and for free.

Measuring systems

I miss my grams and milliliters. I don't like measuring myself in feet and pounds. I like to cook, and I need to constantly check the conversion on my phone. How can one spoon be a precise measurement method? But I know I have to learn, so trying to get there.

Everything is big

Big trucks, big malls, big grocery stores, big meals. I feel so small here. I used to drive a Fiat 500 in Dubai, and now with C, we are thinking it is too small for me here, too risky to be that tiny on a big road. Sizes are big too. I am a petite type, and it is kind of difficult to find something that fits me here. A small size here is a medium size in Europe.

Drive everywhere and for everything

Walking is not really an option here. I don't have a driving license (yet), so my only option is to walk or go by bicycle to do groceries. And I like it. I combine some good exercise, fresh air (much better than what I used to breath in the Middle East), and groceries shopping. But I see very little respect for pedestrians; you need to be extra careful, and sometimes people are looking at you funny when you are walking back home holding your groceries (reusable) bags. I don't like to use the plastic bags they throw at you everywhere. And I like to bag my own shopping - thanks.

The big gap in the toilet doors

For this, I have no explanations; I still didn't find out why. But it makes me uncomfortable. Not that anyone will look inside, but why have the gap then? I think this will stay as a mystery to me.

I am still at the beginning of my adventure in the US, so I am adding to this. Of course, one can get used to everything (or almost). I just find this interesting. I love to notice the contrasts and the differences and not necessarily in a negative way. It is just a learning curve.