Ever noticed Europeans do some things differently? They like to enjoy their coffee outside and taking really long breaks is pretty common. They have plenty of habits that might seem strange to Americans. Here are 18 classic European habits that might leave Americans scratching their heads.
Why Europeans Enjoy Long Meals
In Europe, eating isn’t just about getting full—it’s a time to relax and talk with friends or family. People often sit for hours just enjoying their food and each other’s company. This might look odd to Americans who are used to eating quickly so they can move on to the next thing on their list.
Different Shops Selling Different Items
Instead of buying food in one place, many Europeans go to local markets and shops. The New Statesman explains that they have shops for cheese, shops for bread, shops for meat and they think fresh food tastes better. This might seem time-consuming for Americans who prefer to shop for everything at once.
Everything Stops on Sundays
Many places in Europe close down on Sundays, a day meant for resting and spending time with family. This means no shopping or running errands, which can be a surprise for Americans who are used to stores being open every day.
Dressing Up for Everyday
Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans do for everyday activities like going to the market or dining out. It is not as common to see Europeans wearing sweatpants or flip-flops in public. This attention to how you look every day might seem unnecessary to more casually dressed Americans.
Enjoying a Midday Siesta
In some parts of Europe, especially in Spain, people take a siesta or a short nap in the middle of the day. This break can even lead to shops closing for a few hours. Americans might find this midday pause odd as it could be seen as not very good for business.
Taking Weeks Off for Vacation
In Europe, it’s common for people to take long vacations and they believe in taking time to relax. As pointed out by Alot, America has one of the shortest annual leaves of any other country. They can’t imagine taking such long breaks from work, where one or two weeks off is the norm.
Smaller Homes and Fewer Belongings
In Europe, many people live in smaller homes and apartments compared to the typically larger American homes. Europeans often own fewer things, too, which might seem hard for Americans to get their heads around as they are accustomed to ample space and storage.
Respecting Quiet Hours
Europeans often have strict rules about keeping noise down during certain hours to not disturb their neighbors. This respect for quiet might be hard for Americans from large cities to understand, who might be used to street noise from partying to commuting at any hour.
The Importance of Fresh Bread
Getting fresh bread from a local bakery is a daily ritual in many European countries. This love for fresh, artisan bread every day is something Americans might find too demanding compared to buying pre-packaged bread that lasts longer.
Formal Greetings Are Common
In Europe, it’s common to greet people more formally, such as with a handshake and a kiss on one or both cheeks, even in casual situations. This formality in daily greetings might seem overly polite to Americans, who are used to the ease and simplicity of more casual greetings.
Wearing Scarves as a Fashion Statement
In Europe, scarves are worn year-round, not just for warmth but as a fashion accessory. This constant use of scarves as part of everyday wear might seem excessive to Americans, especially in the warmer states, where they typically wouldn’t wear scarves at all due to the heat.
Appreciation for History and Tradition
Europeans have a deep appreciation for their history and traditions, often celebrating with festivals and events that have been around for centuries. This reverence might seem quaint to some Americans who often focus on the new and the here and now.
Using Public Transport Over Cars
Many Europeans prefer using public transport like buses, trams, and trains instead of driving cars, and Bloomberg states that these countries were created way before cars, so they are naturally good for public transport, especially in big cities. Americans however, prefer the convenience and independence of driving their own vehicles.
Leisurely Enjoying Coffee Outside
In Europe, it’s common to see people sitting at cafés, leisurely sipping their coffee and watching the world go by. This relaxed approach to enjoying coffee, especially in spots like Paris or Rome, can seem like a slow luxury that busy Americans might not be able to have during a typical rushed day.
Drinking Water Without Ice
In Europe, when you order water in a restaurant, it usually comes without ice. Smithsonian Magazine says that perhaps Europeans don’t want to waste prime beverage space with ice. This might be surprising to Americans, who are used to ice-cold drinks. Americans prefer to enjoy the ice-cold taste of water with the chill of ice.
Walking More, Driving Less
In many European cities, it’s common for people to walk to their destinations, whether it’s for daily chores or going to work. However, this might seem inconvenient for Americans who are used to the comfort and speed of driving, even for short distances.
Longer Maternity Leaves
In Europe, maternity leave can last up to a year, giving parents much more time to spend with their newborns. This extended period of leave supports family bonding and child development. For Americans, who typically have much shorter maternity leaves, this policy might seem very luxurious.
Valuing Quality Over Quantity
Europeans often prefer to buy fewer items but focus on higher quality. This means they might spend more on a single item that lasts longer instead of buying cheaper items. This way of shopping can seem unusual to some Americans, who often look for the best deals and buy items in larger quantities to save money.
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