My 5 biggest USA culture shocks | Spanish perspective

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Hey guys! Welcome back to my channel!
So today I made a fun video about my culture shock in the US. I think all the points I mention are unique and should be very interesting to any of you who are looking to move to the US, and even those of you who are American and want to know an outsider's perspective.
Really hope you guys enjoy!
Have a beautiful day!
xoxo
Adriana
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✘ Timestamps:
1:46 Strangers get too personal
3:40 Compliments from strangers
4:57 No meal structure: people eat whenever, whatever and however
6:41 Uniqueness is praised and encouraged
8:35 Efficiency of systems and institutions
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✘ Instagram: / byadrianam
✘ Pinterest: / byadrianam
✘ Twitter: / byadrianam
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✘ Camera: Sony a6400 with a 35mm f1.8 lens
✘ Editing software: Final Cut Pro X
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✘ Music:
Intro music:
Valleyz - The Morning (feat. DVWEZ & Olukara)
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Thanks to my 20.7k subscribers for sticking around! ♥

[@beelzemobabbity]

Really the most important thing to know, is that things can be different all across America. And about the strangers talking thing.. Also, in small schools in America, I’ve been in the same school with the same grade of around.. 50? Maybe less? Since I was in preschool. Some people move away.. a few move in, but soon leave.

[@wherevershegoes]

This is very true! Thank you for sharing your experience! I

[@missmorritos]

This video is sooo accurate. My first time in the US, I was so confused by the lack of fixed meal times xd And people just wearing whatever, wherever, whenever. You know what shocked me too? Doggy bags in restaurants. I didn't even know it was a thing, and there it's so normal! (It also helps that their portions are calculated for a family of 5). I've seen people eat 5% of their meal and just take home the rest. One day we could do a Japan-USA-Spain comparison hahaha (sí, soy Elena, hola!)

[@wherevershegoes]

Oh my gosh! A Japan-USA-Spain comparison will be the best!! We should definitely do that next time we see each other! 🙌🏻 about taking leftovers home, I actually never thought of it as strange! But you’re so right, that’s not common in Spain at all and I would never try 😆 I have no idea why that didn’t shock me... maybe because of my mom and my childhood trips to the US?

[@joxongiotajonov9414]

Hi

[@JohnthePixelizedGuy]

9:26 that note about perfectionism causing anxiety is such a great point. I don't think a lot of people realize that

[@bhiromburanakul7891]

Let me say this, Americans like to share and are very open. This is unique across the entire globe. Most countries are much smaller than US. Americans keep lifelong friends as well, but it is such a big country that you often have to learn how to make friends easily. Compliments--this is similar to small talk but more than that. Americans share their thoughts freely when they are thinking something positive. So, there is nothing to lose in complimenting others, especially because you make the other person smile.

[@BP-or2iu]

I went to school with the same people from Kindergarten through high school. This is common in private (Catholic) schools, because many are K-8, and then everyone goes to the same high school. The friendliness, openness, gregarious nature of Americans is probably our greatest attribute. That, and our insistence on individuality, being unique, and paving your own path.

[@dangercat9188]

"People talk to strangers as if they know each other" meanwhile in NY....

[@bubba6989]

Yeah, NY and California, not too much. But small to mid size towns more normal.

[@fightmeha3202]

@@bubba6989 nahhhh cailfornia is like that to I feel like its only really NY

[@bubba6989]

@@fightmeha3202 no..... its both... trust me, I have lived in both. I don't know a single neighbor.

[@fightmeha3202]

@@bubba6989 i lived in cailfornia to and still visit to this day there definitely are like that just they also have a hustle some other states don't have. Its not about knowing neighbors 😭 more as random people will talk to you out and about (I lived in Los Angeles)

[@jamesvanderbilt201]

I feel NY is the easiest place to make friends..as long as you go out of your apartment..

[@dondottaa1682]

I don’t think Americans necessarily are trying to be perfect, we are just taught at a young age that we can do or be what ever we want, it’s not a I’m better than you thing it’s a passion thing. And yes a lot of time things don’t work out but the fact that there is the opportunity for anyone here to be successful is the reason are the way we are, And the friendly talking to stranger thing, Americans for the most part are a social country, if you haven’t notice we have people from probably every country here, so at a young age we learned to talk to each other so much we would take it as disrespect or you not liking me as person. And P.S if you didn’t say you were from Spain I woulda thought you were from California like me!

[@oldblood_eyes]

@@Matstoen no one is saying being someone you're not. of course everyone should just be themselves. what the og comment is saying is you can do whatever u want in life as in a profession.

[@nomytheone]

You’re so well spoken, it’s great to hear you talk🙂 i moved to the States 2 years ago from Ukraine, and while i do agree that things are more efficient here in the sense that they at least WORK to begin with, the bureaucracy here is just ridiculous sometimes. With how structured everything seems to be, the way many services are run is a total joke compared to how it’s done in Ukraine, which i consider a third world country for many reasons. Nowhere is perfect, and i think not having any expectations when moving here saved me from a lot of disappointment😀

[@garyballard179]

Government is de-emphasized and explicitly limited. The federal government isn't supposed to be involved in citizen's daily lives at all. That's why the US has been so successful so far. The states are autonomous; each state operates on it's own, and the federal gov't is only supposed to deal with international issues and mediate disputes between the states. So when one party insists on using the federal gov't in a way it was never designed to be used, of course it's going to messy, unorganized, and inefficient.

[@leighsalv]

I'm watching this video as I eat my dinner at 9pm while wearing my 'gym attire' (hoodie and leggings) from work (I work at a big company where older people dress with suit & tie lmao) so I can attest to the "wearing whatever wherever whenever" part. Great video! Pretty accurate descriptions of US peeps.

[@YuanQ]

I loved this video! it's so interesting haha and it's funny cause my friends and I were just talking about gym clothes in the US vs. in Europe

[@wherevershegoes]

That’s such a coincidence 😆 but yeah, gym clothes are treated so differently in Spain 😅

[@itsjenniferbee]

I love this video! ❤️ It made me reminisce about my upbringing here in the US. And yes, people her love to give compliments to strangers LOL! 😂 I actually would end up regretting not complimenting someone’s outfit 😅🙌🏼

[@wherevershegoes]

Thank you 💕 and so interesting to hear about the complimenting from your perspective! I honestly don’t think i’ll ever be able to talk to a stranger so easily 😆

[@115DELDE]

Spaniard here. This is 110% accurate. Schools, classrooms and classmates are fixed, teachers move from class to class, not the students. Lunch time is at 14:00pm its the golden hour, why, idk xD And YES at Uni, or no ome eats at 13:30. Dress code. The super "white" families will buy the same clothes for their children for a couple of reasons (easy shopping, "class/formality). People will dress nice in Spain even for something as silly as going to shop for popcorn and soda. Gym clothes are for the gym or for russian squatting (joke). Small talk. Not just Spain, but Europe in general. We simply do mot talk to strangers, think of it as the "stranger danger" mentality. However, its not that we are dangerous, we just like to be in our own personal space/bubble. And if a random stranger starts talking to us we get very very uncomfortable: "why is this stranger talking to me, what do they want, are they going to trick me, are they gypsies, what's going on". Spain has the Legendary "Sobre mesa" or table talk. We will comfortably go to a restaurant for 3 hours eating and talking. Eating is a social activity. We dislike the concept of "eat and get the fck out". If a restaurant tries to kick us out, they will get bad reviews. A restaurant has to feel like home, a nice place to relax and enjoy.

[@wherevershegoes]

I agree with every bit of this 😆

[@TheRaul45]

It depends on the area of Spain, people are more open to talking to strangers than in other regions. Just now I had just seen a video where a girl from the USA says that in Spain we are open, and we talk to anyone and in the USA it is not like that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHayhmp6gt6Ch6M

[@leeluv96]

@@laurie7689 I disagree, Spain should run their businesses how they would run them. If there restaurants are frequented and never lacking for guests, they will make their money. They have no need to maximize/capitalize. Ultimate success for them may be a balance of finance and contentment. This may not be the same value for Americans. That does not make the one right and the other wrong. The two idealisms exist simultaneously.

[@laurie7689]

@@leeluv96 True that they exist simultaneously, but in different parts of the World. If a restaurant following the Spanish ideal were brought to the USA, it would likely fail if it had to exist side by side with the typical US restaurant. That is not saying that a US restaurant won't fail in Spain. It probably would, too. A large part of the appeal of a restaurant in the USA is actually getting to eat in the place. Service is everything here and a part of that service is fast turnover. That is the appeal of fast food restaurants and why they are so popular here. Waiting around to see if a restaurant is going to have an opening at the time that we are there is not appealing. A place that allows its patrons to sit around and chat for hours after the meal here in the USA would get many bad reviews from folks who couldn't get a seat in the place (even if they never got to try the food). Bad reviews can be a death knell for a restaurant. Bear in mind that in the USA, the typical workday only includes 30 minute to 1 hour lunches. So, if you had people who could spend 3 hours eating and then chatting, the working folks would never get to sit down and eat a meal. As it is, the folks who only get 30 minutes for lunch usually have to opt for fast food. Only the 1 hour lunch folks usually get to sit down and eat in a restaurant. Also, it is not part of US culture for folks to go out after the workday as they are usually too exhausted. Restaurants don't get many patrons during the weekdays. Eating at restaurants is primarily reserved for the weekends and we're usually trying to get into places that are extremely crowded because everybody else eats at about the same time too. Here in the USA, the typical lunch is between Noon and 2pm and the typical evening meal is between 5pm and 7pm.

[@leeluv96]

@@laurie7689 hey, I was more so responding to "Spain should..." rather than anything America should... America has it's cozy cafe or restaurant spots where a person could stay for many hours without a problem. Of course they aren't making loads of money but that's ok as long as they can keep the business running and take care of home. For large chains, Penera would be the closest thing to relaxed dining in other countries though the guests arent getting "full service". The trade off still works. So America could totally do it. We'd just have to make a few changes and not try to squeeze every cent out of every hour of the day. We sort of learned that the forced way during COVID. We could change our models and still stay in business. Those who closed up shop mostly didnt want to adapt save for a few unique entities.

[@lauren4690]

As an American, I'd say this is pretty spot on. I'd say from personal experience that we are way more talkative with strangers on the western side of the country, than the eastern side.

[@joecaccamise5926]

I am an American and would like to say that I enjoyed your video. I worked for a major US airline for 35 years so I have been fortunate to have extensively traveled the USA from New York to Hawaii and everywhere in between. Plus most of Europe and beyond so experiencing reverse culture shock is not new to me but a way of life. I have lived in six states including New York,California,Illinois,Oregon,Colorado and Virginia. For those who are not familiar with the US there are cultural differences within the United States depending on the region. Personally I don't mind the uniqueness of one place or another. Sure I have my preferences but I don't judge one state or one country over another because of it. For that reason I very much enjoyed your thoughts and presentation. Well done.

[@alfonsmartinez9663]

It depends on the area of Spain where you live. In my place people do speak about personal things with strangers.

[@tenzy38]

Despite living here for almost 15 years, there are still some things still suprise me about American habits/mannerisms 😅

[@steveeliscu1254]

Constantly improving some things in the U.S. is directly related to fear of law suits. Businesses, schools and government agencies live in fear of the fact that it is so easy for people to sue them and usually end up winning substantial money in the courts.

[@richardsaldivar3768]

Wired how she interprets being open and friendly to strangers as Americans having less deep and lasting relationships I think it's the opposite what does having a meaningless conversation have To do with deep relationships with your inner circle I believe Americans are just more advanced then then the rest of the world if can be open and have conversations with strangers how much more then with the people we love

[@MaizenBlue81]

I think it is more of saying because Americans are so open with people it devalues being close with people you actually care for. It’s definitely a different way to look at the situation but an interesting take

[@Nabium]

The thing about efficiancy, and how Americans wants to improve stuff, and if something went wrong how could it improve. As a Scandinavian I have the _exact_ opposite experience of America, which, makes me dread what Spain must be like on this front. :P

[@ZackHamlin1]

Seriously. Most government shit here is a massive headache. Spain’s bureaucracy must be really horrible lol

[@samanthacastillo148]

American here and yes, I agree with the personal relationship. We don’t take relationship that deep here. We kinda view people as eh it just an acquaintance, not really someone close or dear to me. If we do mention that they are close and that we are best friends. Then the relationship means something to us.

[@sallystitch00]

Great video! I'm from Poland and I'm an English language trainer, I sent it to my student because I think your speech is so understandable and you have an interesting point of view! We are going to discuss this video today, I hope he liked it! Good job anyway :)

[@wherevershegoes]

So cool to know! Thank you ☺️

[@RingsOfSolace]

For that first one, we are definitely more social probably than other countries but not as social out here in New York. There is definitely a distance you keep here that most of the other states don't really abide by. Like I went down south and found it weird how people would ask how I was doing on the street for exactly no reason. There is definitely a "umm, do I fuckin' know you?" Vibe whenever someone gets a little too close or comfortable on a first time meeting.

[@Nellie500]

It’s funny because I’m a Seattle native and have found that people in seattle are some of the most reserved in the US in terms of we try to keep to ourselves. I went to UW and it always felt like people were trying their hardest not to talk to you. I also have found when stuck in the elevator with someone we just stare at the floor and try to ignore each other and when in public transport we try to sit as far apart from each other as possible haha when I go other places in the states it throws me off when people try to talk to me on a bus or something

[@nicko6773]

When you started talking about compliments from strangers, the first thing I thought was how nice your glasses were.

[@santgenisfashion1]

Hola Adriana, me gustaron tu vídeo y tus opiniones, pero hay una, en concreto, con la que difiero bastante. El tema burocrático no es tan eficiente como lo pintas. Seguramente depende del lugar y las personas que te encuentres. A mí , y a otros miembros de mi familia, nos han mareado, dado información incorrecta y nos han dejado a nosotros averiguar, ya que ellos , o bien no tenían ganas de hacer su trabajo, o disfrutaban molestando, no sé. Desde luego no tenemos tu fantástico acento americano, pero hablamos bastante bien inglés, así que no fue por el idioma. En España también he sufrido trabas burocráticas, pero en los últimos años que pasé allí, habían mejorado bastante. Pienso que a este país se ha de venir o de muy pequeño, o en edad universitaria. Nosotros tuvimos la mala idea de mudarnos con los chicos aún en Secundaria, uno de 12, otro de 16. Tras 6 años aún no me han perdonado arrancarles de sus amigos del alma para aterrizar en una escuela de locos, donde cada hora sonaba el timbre y tenían que correr a otra aula, a veces al otro lado del edificio o edificios, con nuevos compañeros. Hacer amigos ha sido una tarea ardua y difícil. A mí sí hay una tema que me ha chocado muchísimo, sobretodo estando en el país del deporte...En la secundaria (Middle and High School) o eres bueno y sirves para estar en el equipo de la escuela y competir (que les encanta) o no vas a tener oportunidad de tocar las instalaciones deportivas jamás. Mi hijo pequeño ha pasado 6 cursos sin hacer deporte dentro de la escuela, ni gimnasia, ni nada, porque la cosa que llaman aquí PE - Educación Física - consistía en medio curso y normalmente corrían o andaban por allí. Creo que la gente tiene que desmitificar a este país, que aunque tiene cosas muy buenas, también tiene cosas pésimas, de 3er mundo a veces. Un saludo :)) Carmen

[@jorgeespinosa4162]

U definetely got my thumbs up! Great video!

[@terrifictomm]

As a cab driver in Las Vegas, I had a joke I would sometimes tell tourists was we drove past the New York! New York! Casino Hotel. I'd say... "Interesting story. When they were first hiring people to work in the casino they found they had to go to New York to find the best employees." People would say, "Really! Why?" My reply: "Because they couldn't find any Las Vegans RUDE ENOUGH to give visitors that AUTHENTIC New York experience."

[@Andaius20]

Well technically, in most places I think Public schools are broken down by district for who goes where. So yeah unless people move, or transfer the same folks you have in kindergarten you'll have with you in the last year of High school. Classrooms may change up with who's with this teacher at this time but you'll still be seeing them all over, plus with all the school extracurricular you have them on the sports teams or various clubs. Does Spain have the Japanese style of class and students stay the same and teachers move from classroom to class room?

[@wherevershegoes]

Hi! That’s correct! Students stay in the same class and teachers are the ones to move! I had no idea that Japan was the same, but that’s pretty cool ☺️ regarding the US, yeah, that’s a good point in that they see each other from KG till HS. Still, you interact with many more people in that system... and your friends are all spread out throughout different classes. And maybe one year you’ll have few classes with your close friends.. while doing my Masters in the US I felt it difficult to make a group of close, longterm friends. Maybe college is more extreme though, since every class is an elective. But while studying in Spain, I can remember that for the first 10 years I only interacted with another 25 students. We did everything together! Even our lunch seats were together! So yeah... pretty hard to not become super close 😅

[@Andaius20]

@@wherevershegoes Yeah, it's much more extreme in College, because the guy you know might only have 1 class and time in common with you. In say High school you'll only have a small number of teachers that teach a given class and you have classes that are mandatory to take. So for example when I was in HS you had to take a minimum of 2 years of a foreign language (took Spanish BTW) and there may only be 2 or 3 teachers that teach it. So you'll usually see some of your friends. Especially if you have alphabetically close last names. In our school we had like 4 other Smiths so I always got to see them when we moved classes in the halls and the beginning and end of the day. :) Also something you have to remember about Public schools. Since it's divided by districts everyone at the school all live within several hours drive of each other. You will ride the school bus when you are younger, or can afford a car. So generally speaking you will know the kids that live close by and if you can drive you can go to friends further away yourself.

[@Hannah-wz1si]

Im American and I can tell you that we all think the people unloading their life details on us at work is weird too hahahah when we ask people how they’re doing we don’t actually expect a fully detailed response. It’s the same as saying “hi”. Usually the older people do that, so we are polite and listen

[@elizabethsjourney701]

I’m from the U.S and I’ve literally had the same classmates since head start .

[@jaasonmiller]

I live in LA and every year I changed classmates. I mean yea some kids are still in your classes but mostly they’re different. I can’t imagine having the same classmates 😣😣😬😬😬😬

[@marisabeltran3084]

her: "I would never let my kids dress however they want" me in the US: "cultural shock"😱

[@Alexander-tj2dn]

I don´t know where you lived in Spain, but if you live in a city like Barcelona and many other places, people dress very diversely (also children), and many wear sports clothes all day like myself. What you said on the matter is really strange. By the way, your videos are very well made. Sony a6400 is a terrific camera!

[@abbyc.4215]

As someone who studied and lived in Spain twice, I really appreciate this video! Spain is downright beautiful hands down and the people are AMAZING! You are so blessed to have ties to both countries... I would also add that people live at home longer in Spain, people usually wait much later to have children, transportation is a million times easier in Spain, the overall quality of life is much better in Spain, safety is much better in Spain (think 150 shooting fatalities over the 4th of July weekend this year alone), education is much less expensive in Spain, health care is much less expensive in Spain, food is far more healthier in Spain, most people are on the slimmer side in Spain, people walk far more in Spain, apartments and homes are significantly different as it is my personal opinion that the quality of homes in Spain are much higher, people value siestas and the outdoors in Spain, etc. Again, really great video!

[@chrisharbour8366]

Lunch at 2pm?? I'm imagining Spanish breakfasts are better too because I could not wait that long.

[@bubba6989]

Haha the personal questions one is more small to mid-size cities haha. I've lived in Texas and its more normal, but here in Los Angeles its kinda like "who are you?"

[@toddcorley464]

Enjoyed the video! Look forward to another one

[@terrifictomm]

I enjoyed your five ways and the fact that you did not see all the ways we're different as negatives about us. I chuckled when you discovered your mother had been acting like an American! It is so true, how open we are to strangers. I think it shows we have a high(er) level of social trust than you do in Spain. Or are we lonelier? It could be both. My father was in the Air Force and I grew up in Japan and Okinawa (before Reversion). Then we returned to the states. A couple years later my father retired and we moved again. All tolled, I attended 12 different schools in my 12 years of schooling. Even for a military brat that was excessive. It can take a toll on you socially. That we are more efficient than Spain could be the influence of our German heritage. I lived in Germany and German efficiency is not just famous. It's infamous. We don't all like or agree with some of these cultural habits you mentioned and many more you didn't. My father never went out without a nice pair of slacks and a button-up shirt on (although after he retired he would wear unblemished blue jeans to the store). He passed most of that on to me. True story. But this is definitely regional. This could NEVER happen on either coast. I worked in a law office in Las Vegas and I wore blue jeans to work every day. One day I saw one of the women from personnel wearing BEACH LOUNGING WEAR! Seriously. What a woman would wear on a beach in SoCal, she wore to work in a downtown law office! Even I was shocked.

[@Santanacarballo]

my major shock? in Spain you greet other people with one kiss on each cheek, in the USA that is actually inappropriate.

[@omarwinters3880]

This video was really well done!

[@kaylenesingson7724]

I currently live in spain and for me, its not true that they dont compliment here (maybe in my case 😅) i was in el corte awhile ago, and actually one "sales" woman told me my coat is cute, que mona ❤🙌 regardless of that american culture is friendly too!

[@ja5335]

hey are paid to be nice to customers.

[@space4639]

Man this is why I love America they are friendly in a weird and smooth way r

[@MrTruthAddict]

I studied in Salamanca for a semester. One time I walked home from the gym in my sweats and people looked at me like I had a murdered someone. As far as Spanish people conforming, during the 60s America went through a time where people rejected societal norms. Meanwhile Spain was living under a dictatorship. The govt literally sent out pamphlets for citizens to read on how women should be behave if they wanted to be considered a good woman. That's just fascism of course

[@uscaritus]

Every era has a context and there are moments in history when societies stagnate. In the United States in 1967, they fought for civil rights and racial integration. In Spanish America, access to education and interracial marriage already occurred in the 16th century. Or during the 1930s, Spain had one of the most liberal and modern Constitutions in Europe, although the context of the time was very complex and ended in a civil war in 1936 until 1939. Also comment that spaniards, in general, tend to look at each other and culturally it is not an offense nor is it interpreted as an intrusion to privacy; sometimes it's just a matter of curiosity. That is different for Anglo-Saxon culture. In Spain something very normalized is that everyone can dress as they wish without problems. The only thing is that sometimes there are certain situations that require a certain formality and it is considered that each scene has its specific clothes. For example, in Spain it is common for women to do topless on the beach, but obviously they do not do it in the supermarket 😂

[@carlosgracia9888]

During the 60´s in Spain, if you were a black person, you could sit down at any restaurant you choose and be served as well as any white person. And the same for a bus or whatever.

[@emilywh1974]

I like how in Spain they call university store the canteen and in the US that’s the prison store

[@musthafabatha4382]

Your speech that is very simple to understand. Keep up.

[@Mayrego]

"I feel like relationships are less deep and less permanent than they are in Spain." Watching a lot of Europeans express this same culture shock, and Americans explain their culture shock about the rudeness, isolation and cold treatment they found in Europe; it seems much different. Apparently folks in Europe have extensive trust issues with strangers and try to stay as estranged from them as they can, and thus on the rare occasion they do socialize put an extensively heavy amount of value on every little interaction. European social isolation seems to result in a starvation for social bonding that leads to people putting heaps of value in every tiny greeting and conversation. Kind of like if you're really poor, every tiny coin becomes so much more important. You treat yourselves like islands and everyone else a threatening menace. Relationships aren't less deep and less permanent in the US there's just a wider breadth to the word "relationship". Everyone is a potential friend. Friendships can be a lifetime long, decades long, or five minutes long. None of these are equally deep or equally long; they're different. It's not unusual to get on a bus, sit by a complete stranger, get into a detailed conversation about your lives and get off the bus, never see them again and tell people about your new friend. Americans develop friendships at their regular store, regular restaurant, guy in the hallway you pass often, group of classmates, and on and on. You're whole community becomes a close knit of people who know each other. I must ask you: Why are Europeans so scared of having friends?

[@mayapapaya5585]

Good comment. 👍👍

[@Mayrego]

@@mayapapaya5585 Thank you. Honestly hoping I get a reply of some kind. We'll see.

[@loreta8249]

Interesting. I'm sure there are underlying historical reasons for that. It's just not in our culture to talk to strangers, it seems a bit weird, unnatural, forced... In Latvia where I come, which is considered Eastern Europe, there is still a lot of untrust for strangers, most likely linked to our past in Solviet Union when you had to be very careful about who you can trust. About other parts of Europe I'm not really sure, maybe because most countries have or used to have in the past very strong family values and there was deeper focus on family and it's safety than making new friends. I don't know, I'm just guessing. I would really love to visit the US someday and experience such openness and friendliness with strangers, I think I would love it, yet also find it very unusual at the beginning. I would like to have nice conversations with strangers but if I did that here I know people would be weirded out and suspicious (at first at least) and kind of have this direct yet polite attitude of "what do you want from me". I mean we are also maybe just more direct in general. Does the cashier in the US really care about how your day was and what are your plans for the weekend? Here they don't, for sure, and nothing is asked. At the supermarket we stick with "Hello!", "Thank you!" and an occasional "Have a nice day!" here :D

[@the1stpersonever]

@@loreta8249 As a cashier from the US, we don't actually care about your day. "How is your day?" is a polite greeting with only two acceptable social answers: "good" and "fine". If you had a genuinely good day, you are free to tell the cashier all the reasons you are having a good day. And we will genuinely be happy for you! Everyone waiting in line will also be happy for you. It lifts up everyone's mood. If it was a bad day, it's considered rude to burden a complete stranger that you have know for less than two minutes and is on the job with your problems. Intonation carries a lot of weight to let other people around you know how your day actually went. If there was a pause before you say an unenthusiastic "good", other people around you will think "uh-oh, bad day." A cashier will then not ask anymore questions because it's rude. We know that our relationship with the customer is ephemeral. A mere blip in their life. We are not the people they want to open up to when they get the worst news of their life. And this is because there are levels of relationships within the American social sphere. Think of it like circles within a circle. The closer to the center (aka you) the person is, the more information they get about your life. Close friends and family get the good, the bad, the ugly, the weird, and the great. A cashier is in the circle farthest from the center. They get the "socially acceptable" version of you. This means you can imply that things aren't fine, but you can't directly tell them about it without being asked. And they are not supposed to ask because they are at the farthest social circle, therefore asking is rude.

[@Divyansh-Tiwari]

Correct in USA the relationship are fast.

[@Yellowsnow69420]

You said you do talk to people about your plans or give/receive compliments if someone is your friend. But, how do you make friends if you don’t talk to strangers, essentially?

[@wherevershegoes]

Through work/school, or they’re friends of friends :)

[@thenewspanishacademy]

Muy interesante! Buen trabajo!

[@GoodbyeRubyTu3sday]

I'm Italian and the "efficiency" part really hit close to home! The bureaucracy here is so bad, so slow and so unorganized that it makes me me feel so helpless and disappointed every time...

[@JasperBromley5930]

Have you ever been to a dmv? Farthest thing from "efficient".

[@pseudonymshqipe854]

@@JasperBromley5930 I've never had any issues. Long lines and waits are to be expected.

[@jamesadams5493]

I’m from Spain as well and it is indeed not efficient, but I am also French and the French system is way way more organized then Spain and North America tbh, so it’s interesting to compare those three different country’s and mentalities

[@olyvoyl9382]

@@JasperBromley5930 I disagree. You would be wise to make an appointment. It makes things go more smoothy.

[@JasperBromley5930]

@@olyvoyl9382 I didnt even know that was a thing tbh. It might not be something that can be done at every one of them either.

[@okiendn2400]

To be fair we we know the shop workers and cashiers in our communities. Because we are in the same places daily

[@TangieYRG]

Lmfao “strangers get to personal”... lmfao therapist aren’t free here 🤣🤣

[@hlroth2101]

😂 💯

[@monkey314159]

One of the things that makes the USA so efficient is that we don't have set meal times at every one of the country follows.

[@nickinportland]

You can just ask people out to eat at whatever time.. I eat lunch at 2 every day with my wife and neighbours and I live in Seattle.

[@cfr6980]

Mmm discrepo sobre lo de la ropa........ no vamos uniformados (fuera de una comunión)... por lo menos no en todas las comunidades/provincias... en algunos sitios ves a más señoritos, pero no es el mismo estilo en todos lados. Y también discrepo sobre lo de la eficiencia...... la pregunta es más eficientes en que o donde? ...... por ejemplo en cuanto a hacienda hemos dado "clases" a otros paises para implantar nuestros mismos sistemas. Lo que yo echo de menos en US es un Estatuto de los Trabajadores ;)

[@misterromerosenglishclassa693]

I was like wait what your english is really good but you were involved into both languages

[@hispagamers]

En Washington state son muy amigables

[@iwarsam]

❤️ Great video!

[@nepkaf]

The same video, but this time contrasting with Nepal, would also be really interesting. Please consider doing it. :)

[@wherevershegoes]

That’s a good idea! I’ll think about some culture shock in Nepal and see what I can come up with ☺️

[@rickzepeda4403]

what part of seattle did you live i from seattle north side

[@BrennanWayneLuther]

Just found my new interest. Learning about American culture from an objective point of view.

[@montiraruba2831]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing. Hahhhhhh.....I'm in love....someone is so beautiful...

[@edwinacuna8587]

Hola Adriana, te quedo muy bien este vídeo, solo tengo una pregunta respecto al aprendizaje de tu idioma Inglés ¿cómo llegaste a tener un acento Ingles tan nativo, cuando tu has pasado la mayor parte de tu vida en España rodeada del idioma Español? ¿Cómo fue tu aprendizaje de tu segundo idioma? Posdata: Me encanta tu acento Ingles, Saludos desde El Salvador.

[@wherevershegoes]

Gracias! Me alegra ver que hay gente q habla español viendo mis vídeos ☺️ Pues aprendí Inglés de mi mamá, que es de Estados Unidos, y por eso tengo su acento. En casa siempre hablábamos en inglés, y español en el colegio... y así tengo los dos acentos!

[@edwinacuna8587]

Estoy seguro que habrán más suscriptores de habla hispana por aquí. En mi caso, este fue el video perfecto para dejarte mi comentario en Español. Que genial que desde pequeña creciste con ambas lenguas, y ahora tienes un a cento muy natural en Inglés, de verdad me encanta tu forma de hablar, yo estoy aprendiendo Ingles y tus videos son melodia para mis listening skills. Saludos Adriana, siempre a la espera de tus videos. ❣️

[@wherevershegoes]

Sí! De hecho, alguien más me ha dejado un comentario en español! xD Gracias por el apoyo! Y me alegro de que mis vídeos sirvan de ayuda! Suerte con el inglés! 🍀☺️

[@edwinacuna8587]

Muchas gracias, que amable eres 😊. Gracias a ti por estar de vuelta en tu canal y compartimos nuevos videos. Un cordial saludo, Bendiciones ❣️.

[@gonzalogrela1267]

me alegra que estes de vuelta, disfruto tu contenido. keep doing !

[@christinas.3461]

I think part of the reason why uniqueness is so important in America is because Americans don’t really have a culture. I mean, we have our cultures that our ancestors came from but because of assimilation most of that has been lost and so American culture is largely just consumerism and workaholism. Because of this lack of deeper meaning I think we try and find that meaning in individuality because we cannot always find it in family and community. I also cannot stand the cookie-cutter approach to life though. I think there should be a really nice balance of the two and that that would be the healthiest.

[@hayneslalonde5105]

I get the strangers thing and I live in KENTUCKY

[@darylwallace4946]

Americans? Fast friends, no family meal time (although yearned for), continuously improving and comfy clothing. Nailed it. North-West is much like the Mid-West - I find Colorado to be a little more laid back and easy going. Nobody has time for unpleasantness, it’s live and let live with a twist of ready help anytime you need.

[@Andreas_XD]

Great video !

[@hayneslalonde5105]

South/Midwest =talk to strangers north=don’t

[@bubba6989]

Mostly true, I think generally the bigger the city the less social. Los Angeles its weird talking to strangers too.

[@Theomite]

Most people in the States hate their families so eating together is definitely not a favored thing. I think most families would actually murder each other if they could get away with it because of how toxic it can be.

[@alcibi]

Hey, a question from a Spaniard: Can you really make sure that U.S superation and problem solving mentallity is totally definitory of 325M people? As a Spaniard to another(you in this case) Do you sadly have the memories of here like that we are so apathycal o cynical? Let me explain..I'm 38 and I live all my life here in Madrid..and yes, so many Spaniard would be agree with you..but I think your comparations are very extremely.. Here in Madrid of course is usual to have trivial and fast conversation with strangers...and is the common in bars and events.. I agree with you in our family and friends from cradle to grave (its my case)..but actually we have a high social, diverse and tolerant culture..we have latin-americans, romanians, bulgarians, arabians, german people co-living in one of the most secure countries at Europe, and we are on of the most tolerance sexual orienteded in the world.. So, as a Spaniard indeed you are..i found certainly sad that you have this concept of one of your countries..:/

[@Name-jw4sj]

Do more! Like things you like and dislike about America compared to Spain.

[@americanmade4791]

You are correct about personal info. Lifelong friends will learn over time what your likes and habits are, and you find a role in that circle over a span of years. But Americans are constantly required to fit into new groups, and information that might help you fit in-and that the new group feels Is important-- has to be exchanged in a relative hurry. My American family members-including in-laws-like to draw my attention to things they notice about strangers’ clothing or actions or other features than are no one’s business. They don’t say it to that person, but they say it to me loud enough for others to hear. Even if their comments are complimentary, it’s rude. So the customary time for lunch was 2 pm, but you would go at some other time because 1:30 or so was more convenient for you? Hm. That sounds a bit…American, to me.😄 I am shocked, gratified, and a little horrified to hear someone describe our institutions and bureaucracies as efficient. However, “Make it better” IS deeply ingrained in the American DNA.

[@Kokeman3D2Y]

Hostias Adriana! Me había parecido reconocerte en la imagen y ya leí la descripción y ya veo que eres tú! Qué guay que tengas una canal!! Me alegra saber de ti 😁 Por si no me orientas soy Koke, de primero de Industriales! 😁 (Me he aficionado a vídeos de cultural shocks y me has salido recomendada! 🙃)

[@wherevershegoes]

Definitivamente me acuerdo! cuanto tiempo! 😊 hay algunos más que también han encontrado mi canal, y todos bienvenidos! A ver si me encuentro con vosotros cuando vuelva a España! 😆

[@Kokeman3D2Y]

@@wherevershegoes Joee síii!! 😁

[@jonathancarter6094]

Constantly improving is NOT something I would consider as a value for the US, but maybe that's because politics are so stagnant. I guess it does make sense business wise. I liked hearing this perspective.

[@Divyansh-Tiwari]

Talking about government office india has the same delay issue as spain.

[@williamko4751]

Your last point is right on. The fact that America doesn't have thousands years of history is one of the reasons.

[@shubhamjha9082]

You didn't answer my question about Nepal from the last time 😦😦

[@Divyansh-Tiwari]

As you are telling about Spain i think spain and India have some common practices. I will definitely like to vist Spain.

[@wherevershegoes]

I definitely think Spain and India have a lot in common... I always notice it when I talk to my Indian friends ☺️

[@louaceveu1925]

Al ser una sociedad Colectivista, las amistades son mucho mas profundas y siempre estan ahi. Es otro concepto de amistad. El individualismo Protestante en Estados Unidos los hace ser muy eficientes, con una metas definidas ya a temprana edad y una programacion de sus vidas bien establecida y totalmente independiente. Lamentablemente se pierden lo mejor que es lo que tenemos en el sur de Europa, sociedades mas entrelazadas, vidas mucho mas enriquecedoras por un contexto social mucho mas amplio y activo y una importancia muy relevante de la familia.

[@isaacshah18]

It seems thats the pepole in the us are more open and friendly that in europe.

[@xalau5270]

I want to point something out, may be in Spain the bureaucratic procedures are not the best, except to pay taxes, you will not find a more efficient system in the country.

[@wherevershegoes]

of course hahah

[@rashidayazi7892]

That was great

[@belladepriest1283]

wait so y'all had to eat lunch at a certain time? that would stress me out, sometimes I eat dinner at 9, sometimes 6

[@tatatmeme]

Hey. Cool video. I like your English c:

[@edgardofernandez4470]

There is nothing wrong if u dont want to answer the cashier if they ask u how is ur day or about other questions they ask u :)

[@mattetheridge8459]

everything is fairly efficient except the state DMV lol

[@lovecat4everxxx401]

my goodness, Im shocked after 1.

[@musicgarryj]

I thought you might talk about how you interact with the US hispanic/latino population and what are the differences in language etc? Maybe an idea for another video? Btw...your glasses DO look very cool! :)

[@ilariandre_]

It seems like Americans are outgoing and friendly... That's awesome!

[@eduardomg4066]

Pues estoy totalmente en desacuerdo en muchas cosas. En América la gente tiene muchos prejuicios sobre la apariencia personal, el modo de vestir de los demás etc, hasta un extremo provinciano e hiriente. En cuanto a la efectividad de la administración española no puedo estar más en desacuerdo. Esta chica parece sacada de la España de los setenta que no conoció y lastra sus prejuicios y estereotipos de los funcionarios como si fuesen vagos e ineficientes, cosa que no es verdad. La Administración española ha mejorado muchísimo y realizar trámites burocráticos es cada vez más ágil, sencillo y fácil. Por supuesto los funcionarios no están para hacer lo que el administrado desea y no pueda ser legalmente posible. Eso es así aunque hay personas que no lo quieran comprender. Y si, viví un tiempo en Estados Unidos, algo sé... Saludines.

[@wherevershegoes]

Hola. Gracias por tu comentario. He vivido en España 22 años, y me mudé a Estados Unidos hace 3... obviamente cada uno va a tener su opinión, pero mi opinión no es ni invalida ni anticuada. Lo cierto es que habrá gente de acuerdo con tu opinión, pero también la hay de acuerdo con la mía (cosa que se ve en los comentarios de este vídeo, y cosa que he escuchado de mi familia y mis amigos en España). Cada uno de nosotros tiene experiencias diferentes, Pero no significa que lo que yo diga “no es verdad”. Solo que desde mi perspectiva es verdad lo que yo digo, y desde tu perspectiva lo que tú dices. Espero que tengas un buen día ☺️

[@antoniowilson6903]

Dang thought Spanish culture was more rich than that. At least here in the Americas we can complement each other

[@drewbranch7700]

Fascinating perspective,but I think it may depend where you are from in Spain. Where I am in Spain typically it’s long sleeve plaid shirt,jeans and sneakers to almost every event and maybe a sweater for kids. In winter it’s depressing,it’s black colors or navy,less earthy colors like I am used to in the US,it feels like everyone is going to a funeral.Depending what school the kids attend,don’t be surprised if they’re rocking a full fútbol Barcelona kit or some other team. There is no filter,so don’t be surprised if a lot of coarse language is used in professional settings. Forget about accountability nor sublime costumer service. It’s incredibly difficult at times to break into what I consider cliques here,she is not kidding when she says friendships that have started probably since kindergarten . The same students since first grade are together until they graduate from high school,pretty much. Rigid eating hours and you might get run over during lunch time,that serious 🤣And those super late dinners. There obsession with kids at times is a bit much,don’t be surprised to see some parents peeking through walls or fences of schools looking at their kids during school hours.Remember it may seem strange because it’s different,but all I can say is,whether you are from North America or Spain,respect the differences and have an open mind. Some people can be pretentious at times from either side which rubs people the wrong way;me personally,I think it’s fascinating yet funny at the same time,our cultural norms make us unique. Thank you for sharing.

[@richardthomas1531]

I too like your glasses.

[@Divyansh-Tiwari]

Hello! Adriana. How are you doing. ? haven't heard form you in 10 day so i think why don't i just comment. so here i am

[@eduardomg4066]

It is not unheard of, but it is not so common...

[@sham9340]

Nice video

[@tabascoindy5005]

I got allergies to Martinsville Indiana

[@FiddlingCPA]

Regarding the last point, that doesn't really seem to describe Idaho to me (where I live). I could see that being the case in the Seattle area. Maybe it's partly because the Boise area experiences such rapid growth, or maybe it's that there are so many people here who are change-resistant. Fear of adaptation can cause anxiety too. Or if people who fear adaptation are running the show, then those of us who don't can experience considerable frustration from that. Have you visited the Boise area? It would be interesting to hear you compare the Seattle area and the Boise area. In Boise and especially the towns within an easy commute of Boise, it's very, very normal for a stranger to act as though they know you well! I think I do that myself.

[@pasalasaga]

4:30 porque nos pueden denunciar por ello y nos parece como acoso, básicamente nos da miedo.

[@johnjunior22]

She’s beautiful 😻