There's an unsaid rule in America that when you get asked what nationality you are, you never say American. It doesn't matter if you were born and raised in one of the most patriotic towns you can find, you probably will still give an answer something like, "Oh I'm half Irish, one-quarter Italian and a little French." You'll rarely find someone who will answer realistically and just say, "I'm American," like they should.
I never fully realized the significance of this myself until I started dating a European, who constantly would point out every "American" thing I did or said. Obviously I always denied it, insisted on my international heritage, and blamed it on his foreign, and stubborn, perspective on just about everything. It wasn't until I spent four months in Europe, traveling to the countries I used to refer to as being a part of me, that I understood what he was saying. What I came to find is that I am probably one of the most American people there are, and I am not at all ashamed. I saw that America isn't just a mix of everything thrown together. It is without a doubt it's very own country with it's own ideologies and ways of life. If you’ve ever traveled abroad, I’m sure you’d agree.
1. You leave the house in sweats, yogas, leggings, gym shorts, etc. when starting your day.
My classmates and I were truly embarrassed when we walked down to get complimentary breakfast at our hotel in London and everyone was dressed to the nines. Breakfast ended at 8 a.m., so we all rolled out of bed and headed to down to eat. Little did we know it was not acceptable to go anywhere in your sweats in London. We Americans think it's okay to dress down in public. In fact, the only time we ever really "dress-up" is when we think we're doing something important.
2. You're used to walking in a grocery store and seeing 30 kinds of cereal, 10 brands of peanut butter, and 25 flavors of yogurt.
This doesn't happen everywhere. It is truly an American thing to have so many options of absolutely everything. From brands of laundry detergent and shampoo to news channels and radio stations. We have an unlimited amount of it all and we wouldn't want it any other way. In other words, you could say we get bored easily and need infinite options. Other nationalities are overwhelmed with so many options and enjoy the simplest of choices.
3. Two words: Iced Coffee.
Such a simple concept yet drastically taken for granted. Being a "basic white girl" is extremely hard to do when you're not in America: no Dunkin' and no Starbucks. You are truly on your own and will probably find yourself asking for a cup of ice with your hot latte.
4. You go to college because... what else is there?
Only in America does it seem like college is the only way to be successful in life. And only in America does it cost you half of your career salary to pay it back. But hey, what else is there when you can't get a job without a degree, right?
5. You are blind to the fact that the whole world does not operate how we do.
What do you mean you can't substitute my side pasta for vegetables? You don't take credit card, seriously? Why isn't there WiFi everywhere I go? Is this stranger really going to ignore me as I'm asking for directions? I'm five minutes late to class and the door is locked?
6. Going out to dinner means having a server literally wait on you hand and foot.
In America, servers work for their tips. They fake smile, compliment you, and go out of their way to make sure your entire dining experience is complete satisfactory so they get their 20 percent. However, in other countries this is definitely not the case. Which ultimately means that they don't give a crap if your meal comes out okay or if you need anything else. Frankly, they might not even come to your table when you've been trying to get their attention for the past 15 minutes. As the arrogant and pushy Americans that we are, we will complain until we get what we want.
7. You are not afraid to share your opinion publicly.
If someone cuts you in the line for the bar, you will not hesitate to make a smart remark loud enough so they hear you. In other countries, speaking out in public is seen as an embarrassment and would most likely be dealt with through silence and potentially a dirty look.
8. You eat foods such as grilled cheese, bagels, scrambled eggs, mac and cheese, and pork roll.
Although these are commonly found on the children's menu, you crave them late at night or after a night of drinking. How can you cure a hangover without diner food? Good luck finding these anywhere else besides the good old, obesity-filled, U.S.A.
9. There's no other way to attend a concert or sporting event than to tailgate.
Hanging off the back of pick-up trucks with ten coolers filled with every beer/wine cooler you can imagine and blasting music from the speakers is the only way we know how to attend an event. This might be the only thing those abroad are jealous of when they think of "America."
10. You have a credit card for every purpose.
VISA, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic, Stop n’ Shop, you name it. We have a credit card for everything so there is never a necessity for cash. You’re shocked when you walk into a store overseas and they don’t accept cards. Obviously, you’re the most annoyed customer and blame them for their lack of technology in the 21st century. However, this is not uncommon and maybe it’s us that are too adapted to virtual money.
11. You're completely accustomed to drive-thrus.
Yes, you do actually have to get out of your car to get food/coffee in other countries. You don't see a fast-food chain or drive-thru pharmacy on every block and it is such an inconvenience to your day. Why should picking up your morning coffee take any more than three minutes?
12. You'll habitually pass by someone and say "Hi, how are you?" but have no real interest in their response.
The normal "hi, how are you?" has truly lost its meaning and serves solely as a way of greeting. It doesn't matter if you are having the worst day of your life, you will always respond the typical "Good, you?" and then continue to walk away. You have absolute no interest in what the other person is about to say, probably because you know it will be "good, thanks."
13. Traveling is the most rewarding experience, but you couldn't imagine residing anywhere else.
You can only enjoy the abroad experience for so long until you just have the urge to throw up your hair, put on some sweats, and go through the Dunkin' drive-thru to get your iced coffee that you oh-so dearly missed. But what's with this stereotype that we're just "lazy Americans?" We'll never understand.
