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People share what would be normal in Europe but 'horrifying' in America and the list is surprisingly spot-on

The opposing practices in the European vs American countries have people on the internet baffled.
UPDATED 22 HOURS AGO
(L)Happy young woman riding bicycle in a European city; (R) Young parents with a baby stroller having coffee at a cafe in Heidelberg, Germany. [Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by 	Klaus Vedfelt (L) and nullplus(R)]
(L)Happy young woman riding bicycle in a European city; (R) Young parents with a baby stroller having coffee at a cafe in Heidelberg, Germany. [Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Klaus Vedfelt (L) and nullplus(R)]

In different countries, there are vivid practices that are unique and stand out. Whether it's food, mannerisms, or even fashion, every place has its pros and cons, as well as, its special factors. What's more interesting, however, is how people of different cultures experience these differences. Getting a glimpse of foreigners exploring vibrant art and food in France or Americans being stunned by the leisure of European countries is a delight. There are also some parts of a lifestyle in a country that leave a person from a foreign land in utter disbelief. 

Cheerful young female tourist having amazing time while exploring city street of Shanghai, Yuyuan garden (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Kosamtu)
Cheerful young female tourist having amazing time while exploring city street of Shanghai, Yuyuan garden (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Kosamtu)

For instance, one could never imagine having a glass of wine in public spaces in the US. Nor would one even think of forgetting to leave tips in the US. A user, u/ComfortableUse6239, called on Redditors, asking them to share what habits they think would be perfectly normal in European countries but "horrifying" in America, and in no time, the post had impressive responses. With over 4,000 comments, people were on a roll citing the differences they have observed between the two continents and it's a trunk of knowledge and adventure to explore!

1. Strictly not accepting tips

"I was traveling for work and left a cash tip in Japan. I literally got chased down in the street (down an elevator and everything) so the waiter could sternly hand 'my change' back to me." - u/uncre8tv

Male waiter expressing astonished by tips from couple of visitors. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by JackF)
Male waiter expressing astonished by tips from couple of visitors. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by JackF)

2. Walking instead of taking the car everywhere

"I have German coworkers who decided, on their first visit to the US, to walk along a 45 mph five-lane stroad (without sidewalks) to a diner at 10 pm. It was a mile away. Still not quite sure how they weren't killed." - u/starsandmath

3. Dinner with 'vampires'

"Eating dinner at 10 PM! In Europe, it’s just a normal night out, but in the U.S., you’d be met with confused looks and a few, 'Are you planning to party with the vampires?'" - u/Missmaudedoll 

4. Hostels

"They may be rising in popularity, but they are not commonplace. In 31 years, I've never met an American who has stayed at a hostel in the US. They stay at hotels and Airbnb's." - u/jestersfrown

Two women talking in their hostel room. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Ketut Subiyanto )
Two women talking in their hostel room. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Ketut Subiyanto )

5. Unhinged, carefree lifestyle 

"Public transportation. Bicycles, lots of them. Universal healthcare. Unattended children. Pedestrian tunnels under rivers." - u/Milnoc

Silhouettes of people riding bicycles at sunset in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Alexander Spatari)
Silhouettes of people riding bicycles at sunset in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Alexander Spatari)

6. New apartment scare

"I'm in Scotland, UK, and I remember seeing a headline about someone shocked that there were 'no floors' in their new place, so I was imagining the actual floorboards missing. Then I read the article and realised they meant floor coverings (e.g., carpets, laminate, vinyl, etc). Here, it's normal for private rentals to include some sort of floor coverings and often major kitchen appliances as well as fitted kitchen cabinets, but council tenants usually have to supply their own floor coverings and kitchen appliances, though kitchen cabinets are usually installed. Houses for sale usually, but not always, include fitted kitchens and floor coverings. A few people still prefer free-standing kitchen storage furniture, but it's not common. I find it odd that some people say 'floors' when they mean floor coverings and 'kitchens' when they mean fitted cabinets." - u/Ginger_Grumpybunny

A photo of white wooden cupboards in a house. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Mark McCammon)
A photo of white wooden cupboards in a house. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Mark McCammon)

7. Ease of commuting and traveling

"I visited Germany once, and the thing that struck me was how little space there is between cities. A drive that would have taken half an hour in the US took like 5 minutes there. I think it's the amount of empty space there is, and population density that makes public transport a little less viable in the US." - u/SergeantPsycho

Traffic on a three-lane motorway running through the English countryside on a sunny summer day. South Yorkshire, England, UK. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Albert Pego)
Traffic on a three-lane motorway running through the English countryside on a sunny summer day. South Yorkshire, England, UK. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Albert Pego)

8. Is that even a cup of coffee?

"The size of a European cup of coffee." - u/cmvm1990 "The US and Canada definitely have a 'more = better' mentality." - u/Murbanvideo

Woman enjoying coffee. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Real People Group)
Woman enjoying coffee. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images| Photo by Real People Group)

9. Sundays and restrictions

"Shutting down markets on Sundays is perfectly normal in Europe. It may cause public outrage in the US." - u/WilhelmTheDoge

10. Leaving babies in strollers at restaurants 

"Leaving your baby in the stroller while you have dinner. Normal in Denmark (and a few other European countries), gets you arrested for child endangerment in the US." - u/Freecraghack 

This article originally appeared 6 months ago.

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