People Share The Cultural Faux Pas They Accidentally Committed While Traveling
When you're traveling, you can sometimes forget that other places in the world are different in more ways than the ones that are super obvious.
Some of the things that we think are "normal," like tipping, giving someone a thumbs-up, or even saying "thank you," might seem like strange strange behaviors elsewhere in the world.
They Were Just Trying To Be Nice
Tipping is something that comes as second nature in North America, but in some other places in the world, it just isn't done—and it's sometimes not accepted by the waitstaff at the restaurant.
I Would Have Died Of Embarrassment
You just know that that person became the guy that no one wanted to invite out anymore because he had a strange sense of humor and thought it was funny when people die.
Try To Learn Some Of Their Language
You obviously can't know everything when you're traveling to a new place, but maybe taking into consideration that different places, no matter how similar they seem, might interpret things a bit differently.
They Did What Any Of Us Would Do
No one likes being taken advantage of, and tourist scams are certainly a thing. However, that doesn't mean that everyone is trying to scam you. Ask questions if you're not sure about something.
The Audacity
People take their sports teams—especially soccer teams in Europe—very seriously. To some, it could be considered personally offensive if your football views don't align with theirs. Might just be best to avoid it.
Should It Really Have Been A Struggle?
When you're in a different country, especially one where you don't speak the language, public transportation can be really stressful and sometimes very confusing. Sometimes, you might not even know what door to go through!
Those Crazy Canadians
Don't ever forget that no matter where you are from, you have an accent to someone, and that might make it tricky for some people to know what you're saying.
Someone Could Have Told Him
Although, if you saw someone eating food with their hands that should not be eaten with your hands, you'd probably just leave that person alone, wouldn't you? Everyone probably just thought he was a big weirdo.
Seems Like A Strange Question
Numerology is something that some other cultures take very seriously, so it may seem strange to be asked your favorite number, but it's a totally normal question in some places. Just make sure you don't pick one that's unlucky.
Doesn't Make It Less True
It's a weird Western thing to try not to age and fight against it so hard, at least I think so, anyway. A lot of other places in the world have great respect for aging.
An Honest Mistake
If you've been traveling for a long time, asking someone if they speak the same language as you might start to feel like second nature, but maybe stop and think before you speak.
This Is So Wholesome
That host probably never tried to make fake plans with someone ever again after this happened to them. They learned their lesson, and that was that someday, someone might take their fake plans seriously.
An Honest Mistake
Let's hope that these two were able to work things out and be clear about what they meant. His intentions were good, even if his thumb gestures were not so good.
I'd Get Laughed At, Too
To be fair, there is nothing wrong with wanting to put pants on, underwear or otherwise. It's just something that should be done in order to be socially acceptable, you know?
My Personal Bubble Is Very Large
It's hard to know what the line is when it comes to refusing certain traditions. I'm sure people in France were understanding. It makes sense that not everyone there would like kisses all the time.
Sometimes, People Think Our Customs Are Weird
Just like we might find it weird that not tipping is a thing, people who visit places like the US and Canada, where tipping is a thing, find it weird. It's all just a learning experience.
Who Else Hates An Awkward Wait?
If you're visiting a place that isn't used to having tourists around, there is probably a bit of a learning curve because they won't know to let you know that things are done a little differently.
Being Too Polite Is A Thing
I can see both sides. Really, at the end of the day, is someone saying "thank you" to you so bad that you have to get upset about it? I just don't know.
You Can See His Confusion, Though
It seems as though people in France like to be kissed on the cheek when you say hello, but only by people that they know, which kind of makes sense.
It Could Have Been Any Of Us
If you've never had it before, how would you know?! At least the wrapping on a tamale is just a corn husk and not anything that you really shouldn't be eating.
