People reveal 15 'weirdest' things about the US that the Americans don't realize

Right after foreigners touch down in the United States, the experience of a delightfully absurd lifestyle begins. Peculiar personalities, cultural oddities and bizarre appetites often feel like a whirlwind of confusion for the non-Americans. The sheer diversity of customs, habits and social norms might leave newcomers both bewildered and amused. The language may be familiar, but the nuances of slang, idioms and colloquialisms might become a head-scratcher. The culinary landscape is another thing that gives foreigners a culture shock.  From fast-food joints to gourmet food trucks, the eccentricity of the recipes and the combination of weird tastes are something that might be hard for non-Americans to wrap their heads around. Not to mention, the appalling portion size! 

Yet another aspect of the American culture that often surprises foreigners is their casual amiability. It's like an enthusiastic embrace when random strangers engage with us in small talk and strike up a conversation about the weather. These bizarre norms and fads often make it a pleasant adventure for many visiting the US. Ultimately, adapting to this culture, which might at first appear quirky and unique, later offers a glimpse into the rich fusion of American life. So, it's okay to laugh at the misunderstandings, cherish the friendships and discover a beautifully chaotic US culture. So, when u/rickyjones75 asked the Reddit community, "Non-Americans who have been to the US: What is the weirdest thing about America that Americans don't realize is weird?" thousands of interesting responses swarmed in. We have curated the 15 best and most common things that non-Americans find weird about the US.

1. Real estate signs

Putting the real estate agent's face on the 'For Sale' signs. -u/toastehmonstah

2. Custom food orders

The options when ordering food. I thought it was a TV joke! I feel naughty asking to swap chips for mash, but you guys can request pretty much anything! -u/Bizzle_B

3. Friendliness

How easy it is as an outsider to make friends. You guys are nice. I moved here back at the start of the year. I’ve got my small group of friends back in NZ and thought I’d have trouble making new ones but Americans have been some of the friendliest people I’ve met. -u/Dungleinthejungle

4. Small talks

Small talk to random people. When I am in Europe once in a while and start to talk to the cashier at the gas station or whatever, they think I am a crazy person. In the USA, this is normal. I prefer the US way. -u/Dutchmagnet242

5. To go food

The restaurants expect you not to finish the food and take it home. My mother finds taking home leftovers from a restaurant to be embarrassing and will not do it. But American restaurants have portion sizes that seem to expect this. -u/Repulsive_Tear4528

6. Billboards

The billboards on the interstates. 'Only 20 miles to...' 'Only 15 miles to...' and some chain or business. Oh, and fireworks. Everywhere. -u/Iracing_Muskoka

7. The tax conundrum

The tax is not automatically added to the price shown in shops, restaurants, etc. If I only have a dollar in my pocket, I'd like to see straight away what I can buy for that dollar without trying to find out the tax rate and calculate it. -u/Casey_19

8. The tipping culture

Tipping is super weird. Pay your staff properly and set your prices accordingly. -u/RevolutionObvious251

9. Hustle all the way

The work culture is crazy. I worked there and some people just don’t take time off. They are basically on call all the time, evenings, weekends or whatever. -u/Hashtagbarkeep

10. Commercials

How every commercial is either for food or medicine, like, are y'all hungry or sick all the time? -u/Leximayyxxo

11. Everything sweet

 
For me, what was shocking was how sweet a lot of food was. I mean, things I would never expect to be sweet, like bread or mayonnaise. -u/Lanfeare

12. Unusually large produce

Coming from India, I have observed the size of all the fruits and vegetables is so huge that it doesn’t feel normal. It feels like they have been deliberately enlarged and that kills the natural taste of the vegetables a bit. -u/concentratedtruth

13. Contrasting laws

Radically different laws for each state, like you could be illegal in one, then travel a few miles, then, boom, you're safe? -u/Frequent_Print7915

14. News channels

Your news channels display far too much information on the screen. -u/Raioc2436

15. Shoes at home

Wearing shoes inside is straight-up unhinged. I love the moment I get home and take my socks off and wiggle my bare feet toes. Always being in shoes is beyond me, let alone going on your bed and stuff while wearing them. -u/Master_of_Coconut