Americans have a distinct style and personality that can be easily recognized when they travel abroad. They are known for their outgoing nature and friendliness, often engaging in casual conversations with strangers. This trait is charming to many people from cultures that are more reserved, although it can sometimes seem overly bold. However, one aspect of American behavior that doesn’t always appeal to others is their tendency to be loud. In restaurants across Europe, it is common to hear Americans because of their volume.
A user on Reddit asked people to identify ways Americans stand out when traveling internationally, leading to nearly 6,000 responses in just six days. Many of the comments highlighted how aspects of Americans’ personalities, fashion choices, dental care, and body language make them noticeable. Here are 14 signs that indicate someone is American:
1. **Posture**: One commenter noted that Americans often lean on things while standing, which they believe the CIA even trains its undercover agents to avoid. They joked that British agents might be trained to lean more in the U.S. This “American lean” has been recognized and discussed by former CIA officials as something operatives are instructed about to help them fit in.
2. **Personal space**: A user shared that they have been told by friends from Europe and Asia that Americans occupy space as if they own it, not in terms of size but in their approach to personal space. This notion of “manspreading” is not common in many other cultures.
3. **Volume**: One woman remarked on how Americans tend to yell during normal conversations in public, a behavior she first noticed in Europe. She admitted that she has grown irritated by this tendency in the U.S. as well.
4. **The date format**: A user pointed out that Americans often use the “MMDDYYYY” date format, which is unusual compared to the rest of the world. The U.S. is one of the few places that still uses the imperial system for measurements, making these two aspects noticeable when traveling.
5. **Perception of distances**: One person commented that anything under four hours of travel is considered “close.” They explained that in the U.S., one can drive for an entire day and still be within the same state, while in Europe, that same time could allow someone to pass through several countries.
6. **Politeness towards servers**: A user described their experience working at a cafe-restaurant that catered to tourists. They noted that Americans would often greet them and inquire about their well-being before even looking at the menu. This friendliness surprised the server at first, but they eventually found it endearing. The user emphasized that Americans’ politeness and sincerity are often unappreciated.
What other behaviors or traits have you noticed that make Americans stand out when they travel?
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Source: Upworthy, by Tod Perry