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35 Things Americans Didn’t Know The Rest Of The World Envies Them For
Interview
Since the US is one of the leading countries in the world, people often feel free to voice their opinions about what they like but mostly dislike about it. Costly healthcare, inflation, conservative values, and dysfunctional politics are just a few things that stop foreigners from believing in the American dream.
However, today’s collection of X posts is all about the things people actually like about the land of the free and are even a bit envious of. From coupons to a deeply rooted cheerleading culture, scroll down to find aspects of American culture others would want to have in their country.
We also reached out to the digital creator and Indian expat living in the US, Priya, from “It's Ok Yaar,” a content platform she created together with her partner, Darshan, to help other South Asian immigrants. She kindly agreed to share the things she likes about the USA, too.
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#1
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago (edited)
Oh, I want to see a real one! Does the novelty wear off? We have lots of hedgehogs here and yeah they can be noisy but always cute ^-^ (Edit: and dirty, no touchy. Like raccoons, I assume)
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#2
Tobias Reaper 2 years ago
we dont have air con because it doesnt get hot enough that often to justify such an expense
Priya’s and Dashan’s creation, “It's OK Yaar,” is a philosophy that most South Asians live by. It’s their way of saying, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” Their joint project is a nod to their community’s perseverance, which pushes them take a leap, leave their homes, and move to a foreign country.
The couple lives in New York, where they foster their content platform and aim to educate, entertain, and empower South Asian immigrants. On their YouTube channel, they post various videos helping people navigate visas, housing, insurance, and everything in between.
First, we wanted to find out what prompted Priya to move to America. “I had the opportunity to transfer to Google’s Chicago office, but initially turned it down as I didn’t know anyone there. When the offer resurfaced a few months later, I decided to take a chance and give it six months,” she told Bored Panda.
“Worst-case scenario, I’d dislike it and return. Darshan and I started dating around this time. After a year of settling in and advancing my career, we got married and he moved to Chicago to be with me, ensuring I could maintain my professional momentum."
#7
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
100% My sisters flatmate was feeling homesick, back in our Uni days, and it was Thanksgiving coming up. We researched, went all over town to get out of season ingredients etc. Learned to make pumpkin pie, and made a cornucopia. It was a wonderful experience in itself, sweetened by knowing it would help cheer him up
#9
Mary Kelly 2 years ago
we have the same regional differences...but, a lot of different geography...then again, you have red squirrels, hedgehogs, and castles...so, you're in pretty good shape
She admits that moving to the US wasn’t an easy step to take. “While I consider myself adventurous, moving to America was unexpected. With no friends or family here, the unknown loomed large. Growing up in the college town of Durgapur, West Bengal, I always dreamed big and refused to let limitations hold me back.”
#10
However, despite the fears of not fitting in and failing, she pushed forward. “As a petite 5-foot woman, I worried about not being taken seriously or underestimated, but I was confident once I started speaking that it would change perceptions. Ultimately, this journey required immense self-belief."
#13
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
It's my favorite flavor from them after they discontinued Heath Bar Crunch.
#14
Boo 2 years ago
The first year after I emigrated to the UK, I decorated the house 2 weeks before.....hubby was not happy! Was glad I had my decs shipped from my dad's to here. Just wish I could have shipped the life size coffin, built and decorated it myself. But hubs would have had a stroke (at that time, Halloween wasn't really a done thing over here) but the neighbourhoods kids enjoyed it.
We were also curious to know if she had any opinions about America before living there that were proven wrong during her residency. She told us, "Coming from India's community-oriented culture, I was concerned about the potential isolation of American life. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. Chicago welcomed me with open arms. I've been incredibly fortunate to meet amazing people who invited me into their homes for holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. They were genuinely curious about Indian culture, making me feel truly included."
#17
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago (edited)
Yes! My mind boggles at this! I would for sure use a bucket load of coupons to get those kind of discounts! We used to have coupons in the 90s, but nothing like the American ones I've seen (I must note, I've seen on the TV. Not heard from any actual Americans about it)
What she likes the most about America is its liveliness and multitude of cultures. "New York City felt like a natural fit—the constant energy is addictive. With its massive expat community, I've been exposed to countless cultures and perspectives. I'm incredibly grateful for this experience. The freedom to manage my own time has been liberating. Moving to a new country was undoubtedly an adventure that unveiled a stronger, more confident version of myself."
#19
#20
Dogcat vet (retired) 2 years ago
If I was still having halloween parties I'd buy one of these 12 ft skeletons so fast... skeleton-1...5ba007.jpg 
#21
She emphasized that moving to a new country, especially the US, is challenging and might not be for everyone. “The first year often brings comparisons to your home life, which is natural. Your life stage, priorities, and personality will influence your experience. While resilience and hard work are essential, it's crucial to recognize if you thrive on stepping outside your comfort zone.
Priya signed off by saying, “Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing where to live. Our platform, “ItsOkayAar” (meaning ItsOkayFriend), is dedicated to sharing diverse experiences to help you find your perfect home away from home."
#25
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
You can be jealous until you realize that most 16yo kids are nowhere prepared to drive in traffic.
#26
DE Ray 2 years ago (edited)
Corn dogs are so easy. Just mix cornmeal and water (beat in an egg if you want), skewer a sausage on a stick, dip it in the batter you made (a tumbler or other tall glass is a good vessel for dipping a sausage in batter), and fry it! You can vary the recipe: The sausage you use doesn't have to be a hot dog - try a kielbasa or bratwurst. If you don't have cornmeal you can make other types of batter - like what you would use for fish and chips or schnitzel. If you aren't comfortable deep frying, you can pan fry if there's a lot of oil in the pan and it's very hot.
#27
Mia Black 2 years ago
This one I feel. I think the variety of food from different heritages is so cool. In Germany it's a little like "only one food trend at a time"... As if we can't handle new food/taste. Like, till the maybe 2010s there where mostly Chinese restaurants beside greek and pizzerias. Then came sushi. Like two years ago Indian. In-between where Mongolian and wine others but they disappeared after the new trend wave in my observation. It's hard to find Mexican, African, Persian, Carribbean... But slowly it's becoming better. I enjoy discovering new tastes
#31
Wang Zhuang 2 years ago
True, I never wore a school uniform in the US, but the downside is that kids get bullied and judged for wearing unfashionable clothes.
#32
BoredPossum 2 years ago
Speaking up and being socially bold is great if used correctly. But it's not limited to America.
#37
Binny Tutera 2 years ago
The eclipse happens everywhere, just different dates, so I'm not sure why the envy.
#38
𝙻𝚞𝚗𝚊 (𝚜𝚑𝚎/𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢) 2 years ago
IHOP!!!! I NEED THATTT I WANNA HAVE PANCAKES WITHING 5 MINUTES OF GOING OUTSIDEEE
#39
Pittsburgh rare 2 years ago
I used to buy a lot of the big cans in Mexico. Here you can barely find the basic flavour and it's tiny 😢
#42
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
Would not wish to cause the downfall of your society, nor the resultant dental bills.
#43
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
FYI..we do NOT get several weeks off throughout the school year. Couple weeks for xmas, one in the spring. Our year is based on the farmers needs, back in the day. That hay ain't gonna put itself up in the barn. Some schools in the south have several weeks throughout the year, but THEY have aircon.
#48
Mary Kelly 2 years ago
owned by aldi's but not ruined by aldi's...wish i could say that amazon did not ruin whole foods...
#49
WorkAholic1 2 years ago
Barnes & Noble is nice, but Borders was awesome. Borders was like an old friend - comfortable to be around. It was like you could walk in and take off your shoes and settle in for a good read. Barnes & Noble is more like that uppity aunt and uncle you have. Nice stuff, don't touch, very rigid and proper. I blame that image on their imposing stand-alone buildings.
#54
Mia Black 2 years ago
I don't understand this one because of European there are so many other cultures around one country and relatively easy to reach. In my opinion it's more interesting than only visiting another part of the own country with just slightly different culture. (Although I do this, because it's also interesting, just not that much as a completely different country)
#55
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
OP has no idea what poor in the USA means. Poor here is NO HOUSING. Poor is living on the street.
#59
René Sauer 2 years ago
at my regular chinese place in Germany it seems like they just throw a handful into the bag when somebody orders from them. I usually get between 3 to 5 each order. and then you can also order a dozen extra as dessert.
#60
Austin Sauce 2 years ago
Coachella hasn’t been good or interesting in probably 5-10 years. It’s just a playground for the rich and famous now.
#62
Wang Zhuang 2 years ago
You can bump into celebrities in various big cities in the US, not only in California
#63
Mary Kelly 2 years ago
that's the target store house brand...there are better valentine's day chocolates...but, for my money, the reese's heart, easter eggs, halloween pumpkins and christmas trees are the best holiday candy there is!
#65
#69
𝙻𝚞𝚗𝚊 (𝚜𝚑𝚎/𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢) 2 years ago
I wanna go to a hot topic (but just probably for a cool pair of pants and maybe a t-shirt)
#71
BoredPossum 2 years ago
That's one of the things I wouldn't touch with a ten banana long pole.
#72
#74
EP 2 years ago (edited)
Those are local to an area of the country. I have never seen a crumbl or a canes. I, too, would like to see one of each. This reminds me of In N Out burger…. which, also, can’t be found anywhere on this side of the continent. I have had In N Out Burger when out in CA on vacation though and it was fantastic. Of course that was a 6 hour plane ride away lol.
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What do you think ?
Pittsburgh rare 2 years ago
I'll always be jealous of Americans for Costco. I want to be able to buy rice, car tyres and a coffin in the same place. And their cakes are amazing. Walmart is fine too, but it doesn't hit the same. But more importantly, I'm jealous of the can do mentality and the idea that you can change careers at any given time, no matter how old are you. We say "it's too late," too often in Europe and it's depressing.
Sophie 2 years ago
I don't know why you have been downvoted, (0ed you with an upvote) This comment has no negativty in it, and I think the same. Some people feels like downvoting here is just like reddit. Personal opinions gets downvoted just because someone doesn't like it... I'm so done with it. I don't downvote an opinion I don't like, just scroll by.
Load More Replies...
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
I really hope people take this as a chance to show Americans some love. Ok, a few entries may vary but let's celebrate the neat things they have there! I have high hopes this will go well (gah that's putting my neck out).
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
Screw it I'm leaving this up and putting my neck out. Show of support for the large part of Americans who are just trying their best to get through a f****d up time.
Load More Replies...
Auntriarch 2 years ago
My friend in Urbana talks about sitting on her porch, my UK mind saw the little hallway where you keep your wellies and macs, when I visited it turned out to be a veranda. I absolutely loved sitting there on a rocking chair, saying hello to people who walked past, sipping tea and reading. Yes I'm envious of her porch and the culture of porch. And the fireflies in the evening.
Tamra 2 years ago
Ah, the culture of porch, I love it too. My husband and I will sit on the porch at dusk and crack open roasted peanuts, occasionally tossing a few to our little beggar dogs, and watch the bats and fireflies.
Load More Replies... Pittsburgh rare 2 years ago
I'll always be jealous of Americans for Costco. I want to be able to buy rice, car tyres and a coffin in the same place. And their cakes are amazing. Walmart is fine too, but it doesn't hit the same. But more importantly, I'm jealous of the can do mentality and the idea that you can change careers at any given time, no matter how old are you. We say "it's too late," too often in Europe and it's depressing.
Sophie 2 years ago
I don't know why you have been downvoted, (0ed you with an upvote) This comment has no negativty in it, and I think the same. Some people feels like downvoting here is just like reddit. Personal opinions gets downvoted just because someone doesn't like it... I'm so done with it. I don't downvote an opinion I don't like, just scroll by.
Load More Replies... Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
I really hope people take this as a chance to show Americans some love. Ok, a few entries may vary but let's celebrate the neat things they have there! I have high hopes this will go well (gah that's putting my neck out).
Lauren Caswell 2 years ago
Screw it I'm leaving this up and putting my neck out. Show of support for the large part of Americans who are just trying their best to get through a f****d up time.
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 2 years ago
My friend in Urbana talks about sitting on her porch, my UK mind saw the little hallway where you keep your wellies and macs, when I visited it turned out to be a veranda. I absolutely loved sitting there on a rocking chair, saying hello to people who walked past, sipping tea and reading. Yes I'm envious of her porch and the culture of porch. And the fireflies in the evening.
Tamra 2 years ago
Ah, the culture of porch, I love it too. My husband and I will sit on the porch at dusk and crack open roasted peanuts, occasionally tossing a few to our little beggar dogs, and watch the bats and fireflies.
Load More Replies...
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