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We often read of things that are totally normal in America but look super crazy to the rest of the world. Like free refills, medical debts, the sheer portion sizes, you name it. But hey, the place and time is everything when it comes to which things we view as typical and which ones raise our brows.

So this time, we are setting our eyes on Europe and the weird customs, things, and manners people in its 44 countries have that look totally crazy to Americans. “What's considered normal in Europe but horrific in America?” someone asked on AskReddit, and 12.7k comments followed.

We picked some of the most telling and thought-provoking responses that prove European countries are also home to a bunch of weirdos!

#1

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Old things. Houses especially. "Someone died in this house" yeah no s**t Sherlock, this house has been here more than your country

flawed_yet_fun , Mike Report

#2

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America The metric system

rmbl88 , pxfuel Report

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Sam Yobado
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Favorite metric system quote is by Josh Bazell. “In metric, one milliliter of water occupies one cubic centimeter, weighs one gram, and requires one calorie of energy to heat up by one degree centigrade—which is 1 percent of the difference between its freezing point and its boiling point. ... Whereas in the American system, the answer to ‘How much energy does it take to boil a room-temperature gallon of water?’ is ‘Go f**k yourself,’ because you can’t directly relate any of those quantities.”

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#3

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Taking the bus. There is so much stigma around public transport in the US, especially busses, and in Europe it's just a totally normal way to get around because nobody wants to deal with driving and parking in a big city.

Also from an employer's perspective: 25+ vacation days minimum for all employees and unlimited sick days. The absolute horror.

Zack1018 , Pofka Report

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October
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This! When I was a nanny in the US, the family I worked for was always nagging me for using public transport. I never unederstood what the big deal was.

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#4

Songs with swear words being broadcasted on the radio, or swear words not being covered with a beep tone on tv. It’s always felt weird to me that Americans are all about being free and freedom of speech but then again they are scared of some stupid words.

Elisiana12 Report

#5

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Pro union laws. Pro worker labour laws. Mandatory paid vacation days (including fines for companies if the workers don't take their vacation days or get them payed out. They NEED to actually leave work legally for around 25 days per year).

AgarwaenCran , Alex Kotliarskyi Report

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LH
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rested and healthy employees = higher productivity. Who'd have thought?

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#6

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Letting kids go to school or walk around the neighborhood by themselves without supervision.

A Dutch family moved to the USA and their kids went to school on their bikes like they always do, after a while the police showed up on their doorstep and child protective services letting them know they’re being irresponsible and to not do that again.

ik101 , Elizabeth Report

#7

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Mailman doesnt leave packages unattended on your porch. He eather gives you it on the doorstep or you go get it at the post office. Much less infureating than getting it stolen or thrown accros your yard by a mailman...

haberg6 , MobiusDaXter Report

#8

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Taking of your shoes when getting home.

Fliggan , Cade Martin Report

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd rather not have muddy footprints/ dirt from outside around the house.

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#9

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America I don't know if this would horrify Americans as I've never heard it discussed, but where I live in Europe (Luxembourg), voting is mandatory and you can get fined for not voting in an election. You can still spoil your ballot, so you don't have to decide between lesser evils if you don't want to, but you have to make the effort to go to the polling station or submit a postal vote. It guarantees a high voter turnout and by extension more representative elections, coupled with a proportional voting system so we're not locked into a two-party mess like the UK or the US - not that it's without its issues of course, but I think it's an improvement.

MrLuxarina , Santeri Viinamäki Report

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#10

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Being expected to know another language other than English.

Coygon , Thirdman Report

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MiriPanda
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think they meant: While it is normal for Europeans to speak at least one language other than their mother tongue, Americans are not expected to speak any other language than English.

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#11

At least in Germany, nudity. No one cares if you're naked, no one thinks you're a sex offender, no one thinks it's even sexual to be naked unless you're actively having sex, and no one makes it weird.

You can be naked in public parks to soak up sun, on beaches, swim naked in lakes. Saunas are all naked, mixed sex areas in spas and saunas are naked with no issues and in general, it's just not an issue.

climbmea Report

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Tassenküchlein168
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least where I live in Germany it’s NOT usual to be naked in parks or bathing naked in crowded places, except they’re designated as nude areas. Topless is tolerated in most urban parks, if you don’t Walk around. Otherwise it’s a "Public nuisance", which is an administrative offense and is punished by a penalty fee.

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#12

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America From what I’ve heard, allowing retail workers to sit. I’ve heard it’s regular for people to be sitting in Europe as cashiers, but in the us it is seen as lazy. Only store I know of that allows it is Aldi and that’s because it helps their cashiering metrics.

whovian1087 , Wolfmann Report

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Natalie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seen as lazy, huh? So the management only have standing desks?

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#13

You don't have to answer your phone on vacation.

affo_ Report

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Shadowfall The Explorer
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am an employer and I would never call one of my tech's when they are on vacation and if I did I would not expect them to answer. That is their time not mine.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been there, done that, learned my lesson. Nowadays, I always screen my calls anyway, whether on vacation or just before/after work hours. Unless you’re going to pay me for it, when I’m off the clock I’m on MY time, not yours.

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HooowlAtTheMoon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my mom gets calls from her work on her off days, she answers the phone with "Hello this is the not-on-call doctor how may i help you?" and the people usually get the message and hang up lol

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You also don't have to answer your phone after your working hours are over.

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Celsius
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one has to answer their phone on vacation. I don't even turn mine on while on vacation.

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JinxBox
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hell no. I'm totally surprised that this is not obvious to all. Also we actually use our holidays in Europe, because life is more than work only.

nolab avatar
Nola B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

U don't have to answer ur phone even when you're not on vacation.

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jeniel stephens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

since when does anyone HAVE TO answer their phone? just cuz it rings doesnt mean i have to answer it.

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Cynthia Wilkins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't have to here in the US either.... My boss would never call me on vacation, and if she calls me on a day off (which is very rare) it's not a big deal if I ignore it.

faithhh02 avatar
Faith Hurst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't even know where my phone is most of the time, vacation or not. Most of the people I know in the US don't answer work calls (I'm assuming they don't mean when your kids or grandma calls) on vacation.

davecrokaert_1 avatar
Dave Crokaert
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually we have laws now your employer isn't even allowed to phone you for work stuff outside of working hours. Unless in some very specific cases. (For instance to ask you if you can come for extra hours - which over here they can never force you btw)

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Peter
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a work phone that I'm expected to carry at all times and respond to a call within 5 minutes any time day or night whether on vacation or not. But just to be clear, that's a kind of call that we hope never happens.

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Nichole Harris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care what country you're in answering your phone on vacation is r******d

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James G. Currie
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I *can't* answer my phone while I am on vacation... Landlines are not portable! lol

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Alicia GriffonLady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of the calls i get are AT&T with a gift card as a reward for my last payment (even though i'm not with AT&T), some one warning me that i need to renew my car's warranty (a 1999 reconstructed title...) or the US/Canadian government wanting me to give them my bank info so they can give me free money. I don't answer my phone unless it's someone from my contacts list any more.

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Rebe
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is relative. Depends what you do and the contract you signed. Example I live in Spain and my husband spent the morning of our wedding and part of the wedding breakfast sorting out IT issues. I'm a teacher so don't have to answer my phone on vacation but do have to send in work and answer emails when I am off sick.

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Whocares
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have to put our phones in a locker at work, when they call me off duty i tell them GET OF YOUR PHONE and get to work yourself xD IF i wouldnt need more money.. and here you always come short nowadays... so always need the hours xD

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AAPnonraeba
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why the heck you would give your work any time out of your free time?

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Lynn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My phone is on do not disturb more often than not. Leave a message or don't be surprised when I don't call you back.

agreed2 avatar
AgreeD 2
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never answer my phone, lol when it's important they'll leave a message

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Jane Doe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have to answer my phone after working hours are over, period.

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S Francis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really depends on your position, how essential you are and where you work.

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Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody HAS to answer their phones, anywhere. If your workplace boss/superior expects to contact you on work-related problems during your leave, that is THEIR problem, not yours.

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Jb Dean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly more examples of how US employers take advantage of their employees. 😡

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Thecoolbonnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't have to in the U.S. either. I mean maybe some certain jobs it's expected, but it's not 'required' on the reg

printedcircuitboard39 avatar
Quentin ingulfumble
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a works phone and a personal phone. My works phone lives on my desk at work when im not at work. Why would i need it at home?

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Pat Shelby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should be law. Calling on vacation, if it is by a superior probably means you are not getting paid enough for doing their work.

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Ruthie Merrill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I swear my dad always has to talk to his boss whenever we leave

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Alice Wofford
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't answer my phone unless I know who is calling. If they don't leave a message I don't call the number back.

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Corey Beth Greaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even in the US you don't have to answer your phone while you're on vacation... Unless maybe you're like a CEO or high-level management or somesuch.

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Frannie Kaplan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stopped answering phones 5 years ago with few exceptions. I watched older people do jt all the time so I do it too.

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Frozengeckolover
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do not answer my phone while on vacation. They can kiss my butt! I also don't answer my phone on my days off. Whatever it is, it can't wait till I get back.

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Jeri Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got news for you, I dont ever have to answer my phone if I dont want to. Just because it rings doesn't mean you have to answer it.

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KimTx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish more people understood this! Or in a restaurant, store, etc.

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Paul Z.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You never have to answer your phone... let voice-mail do that😄

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DM
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m American and would never answer my phone of vacation lol. But I realize some jobs probably require this.

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Elizabeth Treece
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Technically most of us in the USA do not have to answer the phone unless we are being paid to be on call. Many people don't know this and have been trained from a young age to always answer a phone. It might BE IMPORTANT. I had to train myself out of this and allow it to go to voice mail. And yes I have been called twice to see if I would come back early from vacation. Once I said no. I was a 13hour drive away. Once I said yes because it really was an emergency and I was I in town. I work health care.

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InfectedVoice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't even answer my phone on my day off, let alone on holiday.

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Al Christensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In some movie from 25 or more years ago (The Accidental Tourist, perhaps?) there was a family that never answered the phone. "Just because it rings, that doesn't mean we have to answer it." I took that to heart. Hurray for voice mail.

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Ivy la Sangrienta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. I don't take my work cell with me when I go on holiday or even when I go home at the end of the work day.

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Vladimíra Matejová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why would i answer. i could be on the other side of the planet. i am not going to pay for roaming fees. also i am on vacation. i put a disclaimer in outlook i will answer all mails when i am back. for urgent matters they can contact the manager

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Douglas Mock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the USA, you can be fired for not answering the phone while actively engaged in birthing labor.

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Mike Loux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I keep up on email and Slack while on vacation, but I seldom if ever answer, and that is my choice. In my out of office message it lists who to contact for what, and that I will answer any questions when I get back. I used to be more connected, but I'm just too old for this s**t.

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Elizabeth Treece
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fortunately I don't have outside access to my business email. I can only access it from a device connected to our server. My job doesn't allow teleworking since I handle blood and body fluids. I leave a message in Outlook and Teams that I am out and contact my supervisor. I also warned all my direct contacts I would be unavailable for several weeks.

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Mama Penguin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I jokingly tell my coworkers don't text/email/call me unless the office is on fire.

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ThePracticalSarcastic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

US here....i dont answer my phone after 5 on non-vacation days.....

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Dre Mosley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one does. That's a personal choice. I've been a professional for over 20 years and have never been obligated to answer my phone or be on standby while on vacation.

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Eric Mac Fadden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just take from my co-worker because we help each other a lot through the year. But SOMETIMES I take a week off. Legally I should take 22 days, but I can't

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Bilja M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't answer it every time I don't feel like it. You have the right to ignore calls if you are sad, busy or just want to talk later.

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#14

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America The number of rooms in the description of apartments. 1 room in the US usually means 1 bedroom, a living room ,and separate kitchen. Was shocked when I realized it means everything inside one room in most European countries

coolth3 , Bromford Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK we normally describe properties as 1 bed, 2 bed etc. and give a separate count of other rooms. Studio is normally used to describe rooms of mixed use. So a 1 bed studio apartment will normally be a combined kitchen, living and sleeping space with a separate bath- or shower-room.

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#15

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Open borders.

Starfuri , pxhere Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember one work trip where I was in Germany, just over the border from France. All the staff were French and commuted across the border daily. Hell, we even went back across the border for lunch each day!

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#16

Not being super patriotic.

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Got Myself 4 Dwarves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love being Scottish, I love living here, the people (mostly), the accepting and open culture, the sarcastic swearing humour, that we can take the piss out of ourselves - but I don't feel the need to fly a flag on my doorstep or cover myself in Scottish symbols and scream about my freedom and rights and chant some verse every morning - im sure there are plenty of Americans who also think that the stereotypical over the top patriotic American is as odd as outsiders do - but they do tend to be the loudest

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#17

Long paid parental leaves and month long holidays (vacations).

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WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun fact: These are all things that Unions achieved and next the government made them law. Some Americans would go bat shyte crazy over that. "The government has no right to force 25 mandatory vacation days on me!!!!"

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#18

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Oh man... europe has so many different countries. Something that is completely normal where I live could be frowned upon as soon as I cross the next border. But in general we tip for good service, not bc we have to. A rude waitress won't get tipped by me. Also we usually remove our shoes before we enter a home. And yep, "free" healthcare.

ghost882 , Lee Haywood Report

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Roxy Eastland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Absolutely, what's acceptable in Spain wouldn't fly in Denmark and vice versa. All countries have their own cultures. The first time, years before the internet through reading American magazines, I came across 'Europe' being referred to as a homogeneous whole I was extremely confused. I was also highly entertained by all the adverts stating 'Everyone in Europe is using this product' for something I'd never seen in my life.

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#19

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Not giving your debit/credit card to your server but doing it yourself

Ok-World-4822 , HLundgaard Report

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Jon Steensen
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It prevents them from copying you card information and using them to commit fraud by buying stuff online with your creditcard information. In fact I think we ought to memorise the control numbers on the back of the card and then remove them for the card. Having them there is like writing the pin code on the card with a marker, it is just making abuse way too easy.

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#20

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Sitting a foot away from a complete stranger and then completely ignoring them.

skelebabe95 , TheOtherKev Report

#21

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Americans get so bend out of shape over naked children running around the beach.

On every beach in Bulgaria I've been, naked children is the norm, women sunbathing in monokini is considered absolutely normal, while naked men are okay only in the nude sections of the beaches. And every beach has a nude section.

gerginborisov , Charlottees Report

#22

Smaller food portions

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#23

Not enrolling your kid in extracurricular activities. In Europe, some kids are enrolled in a sport or club and the older ones are mostly responsible for getting there and figuring out their schedule. In America, some parents are so obsessed with kids sports that the whole family's existence revolves around it, or they get judgemental when they hear that a kid isn't involved in any sports or clubs.

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lenka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am in the Netherlands and almost every kid I know does some kind of extracurricular sport. There are also special subsidies to make sure every kids even from low income families can participate. But we dont tend to get obsessive parents here.

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#25

Putting mayonnaise on french fries instead of ketchup.

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#26

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Almost every car having a manual transmission. when i visited ukraine, i only saw rich people with automatic cars

_doofus25_ , Rutger van der Maar Report

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Moodles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I dislike automatics. It makes me feel like I'm driving a go kart. If you're going to drive a car...well...drive it!

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#27

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Charging for water at a restaurant.

dpstreetz , Pixabay Report

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brukernavn340
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Norway you'll get tap water when you ask for water, and that's free.

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#28

Bidets? I was born and raised in the US and I think they're efficient and far more hygienic than TP, but apparently most other dudes in this country think it's gay to clean up after your business is done lol

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Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only really gay thing I know is falling in love with someone of the same gender as yourself. If cleaning your ass after you've been to the toilet is 'gay' to you, you have some real issues.

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#29

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America In Germany, looking for a apartment doesn't automatically mean it will come 100% with a kitchen. 90% they don't have them in and you have to buy them yourself.

Ok_Context_732 , Marco Verch Report

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Lila Launehase
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one of the most stupid things in Germany. The kitchen should belong to the apartment.

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#30

People Share 30 Things That They Think Are Normal In Europe But Horrific In America Underage drinking seems more of a crime in the US - in most cases of a kid is caught with alcohol in the UK it's just confiscated and poured away. Strictly speaking the age you can drink alcohol is really low as well, so long as you're home with a parent I think it's like 5/6. When you're in a restaurant you're also allowed low percentage alcohol like cider with a meal so long as you're with an adult.

AugustineBlackwater , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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Francis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in germany you're allowed to drink beer/wine with 14 when you're parents are around, at 16 without them and everything else at 18

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