"You know you’ve been in America too long when…" From a Japanese PerspectiveMore here.
1ヶ月現金を触らなくても不便を感じない時
You don’t feel inconvenienced even if you don’t handle actual cash for an entire month.
青や緑色の清涼飲料水を抵抗なく飲めるようになった時
When you’re able to drink blue or green colored soft drinks without hesitating at all.
......
人に褒められて、謙遜せずに「ありがとう」と返す時
When you receive compliments from others you’re not humble at all and just say “thanks”.
......
本物の銃を見ても感動しない時
When you’re not excited or impressed at all when you see a real gun.
成田空港のトイレの綺麗さに感動した時
When you’re amazed at the cleanliness of the toilets in Narita Airport.
フロスなしでは完全に歯磨きしたことにならないと思う時
When you begin to think that you haven’t completely brushed your teeth unless you have also flossed.
It made me think of the things I have got used to, living in the Arab world for so long, so here are some of them:
These are first that came to mind; I can think of ones that are specific to particular countries (because of course there are big differences in customs/societies across the Arab world), but they can wait for another time.
You know you've been in the Arab world too long when...
...back in Europe you get offended that people actually ask if you would like something to eat or drink (and would prefer you to say no) instead of just piling things up in front of you.
...you feel shocked at seeing people kiss in public.
...you feel surprised if your male friends or acquaintances are not protective or respectful of you in some way and just treat you as one of them.
...you wonder why your friends don't keep telling you they miss you, and ask about every member of your family.
...you get annoyed that to see friends (or even family) you have to organise it a week or more in advance.
Many people reading this are living away from home. What are the things that are a shock to your system when you go back?
13 comments:
You know you've been in the Arab world a long time when
...you are embarrassed for a woman wearing a cleavage-exposing blouse.
...you don't find it odd that people ask you your religion or if you believe in G-d.
...you have trouble ending phone conversations because you keep repeating, "Bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye..."
Almost embarrasing to admit to, but here goes anyway:
... you have tissue boxes on every available shelf space and all tables, in every room in the house
... you can't imagine why they don't have ac's in england
... you forgot it gets dark at 10pm in the evening in europe and keep looking at the clock and wondering what happened
... you forgot what the meaning of Easter is
... you think 78 deg F is cold and go looking for a jumper
... you stare at the booze counters in the supermarkets and wonder how they can possible sell it without getting into trouble. then you remember you're not in the Middle East any longer
You know you've lived in the US for so long when:
- You being the exotic ethnic does not surprise or annoy you at all.
- You actually get ethnic gifts to American homes instead of the potted plant or dessert. Might as well play the part.
- You think that the justice system works despite its deep flaws.
- You think in terms of what is legal and isn't.
- Confuse legal with moral & turn to the government to moralize things.
- You think that 10 degrees C is warm and look forward for the day when it climbs up to 15 C
- You start threatening to sue everybody.
- You start believing that you have inalienable rights and are entitled to due process.
- Become offended & shocked when blatant discrimination is exercised.
- Ask your guests if they would like to drink something, coming in etc instead of bringing something and talk them into partaking.
- When gangs, teenage pregnancies, murders are all part of life.
- When you refrain from hitting your kids in public.
- You debate if you should request a day off for Eid and then don't anyway.
- You start sending thank you cards.
- You forget how to spell.
- Your English deteriorates.
So many of these resonate with me!
A few more (Arab world, returning to US):
-You can't figure out why people are staring at you for wearing long sleeves in the summer.
-You say "yalla" every time you're trying to herd your friends somewhere (much to their confusion)
-You don't understand why the TV isn't on during meals
-You're frustrated at your inability to bargain when shopping
(those may be semi-Morocco specific, no idea)
LOL, BB, very cute!
Hi Ayesha !
I came to Paris 39 years ago, say I wasn't yet a true Italian... Presently I can be under shock - when in Italy, for some Italian behaviour !
You know you've been in the Arab world too long...
-when you drive with one hand on the horn.
-when you surprised to stand in line and wait your turn.
-when you're surprised to visit a public office and only have to see one person (not 10 for stamps and signatures and who ever knows what else).
-when you drive, stop signs don't mean anything.
-when you can't understand why lunch is after 12noon (not at 10:30am) and dinner is after 5pm (not at 2:30pm).
-
Oh I absolutely relate to the shock of having to book friends a week in advance back in Amrika! Other reverse culture shocks:
- learning to feel OK without much cash in one's wallet
- being surprised when the shopkeeper or person selling you a sandwich or post office person doesn't greet you and chat you up, ditto cabbies
- being a bit embarrassed by all the bare arms and uncovered heads and super-short skirts on display
- being stunned when you go out with friends and find they have already eaten and are focused only on drinking when they go out
- being reminded that few people in Amrika will invite you to their house for a meal, or reciprocate an invitation, and if they do host a dinner you are given instructions on what to bring
- people following traffic rules and standing in line.
- for my dear husband who lived in the Middle East for many years, being shocked at sexually explicit ads even though he grew up with them.
Thanks all of you for sharing these!
(And Kinzi, thanks for the link.)
loved the post - and the above comments!
My contribution..
you've spent too much time in the Arab world when -
- Come thursday night you're not getting ready to go out and PARTY!
- accordingly, when you work on fridays. Still weirds me out. (and accordingly skip friday prayer!)
- when you meet other Arabs, you're confused whether you should behave according to the 'arab' way or the 'local' way (handshake, nod, hug, kiss on the cheek?)
- Ramadan is actually a normal time and you still work regular hours.
- and you get used to that quick rapidly, actually.
- people are less effusive with their thanks or gratitude or compliments when you do something nice.
If I think of something else...
Hmm very funny and thought provoking ones there, thanks to all for sharing these.
You know you've been in France (away from Kuwait) for too long when...
-You get surprised that every body calls you Habibty = darling even if they don't mean it.
-You get pissed off when drivers don't respect traffic codes.
-You don't understand why every body complains about the hot weather or sand storms.
-You think that the guy asking you for directions is really lost.
-You get offended when guys refuse to shake your hand because you're awoman!
"You think that the guy asking you for directions is really lost" - brilliant!
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