Peggy
最新更新日：2013-04-02
A Fun List: Reasons Why You’ve Lived in the U.S. Too Long
2010-09-17
I have so many international friends from countries all over the world. I can always tell how long a new person I meet has been living in the U.S. or if they are just visiting. If you are Japanese and have lived in the U.S. a long time, you would probably do the following:
1. When you see a friend across the street, you just wave your hand to say ‘hi’ and keep going to your destination. You do not cross the street to say ‘hi’ in person or bow and have a small conversation. 2. You say ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ vs. ‘Hello Peggy-san (or Setoguchi-san), how are you?’
3. When you get in a taxi, you do not wait for the taxi door to open. You open the taxi door yourself. (It does not automatically open in the U.S. and taxi driver does not assist you with the door.) 4. You buy a bottle of water or a cheap 100¥ product using a credit card.
5. You drive a car to a store that is only 20-30 meters away from the last store you entered (which is in the same building complex or mall). 6. You don’t put your personal items in an expensive brand store or department store shopping bag and pack that the bag around everywhere (like a handbag). (example: Tiffany Company or Takashimaya)
7. You don’t use an umbrella for the sun or light rain. Also, you don’t care if the color of the umbrella matches your daily outfit (clothes). Usually, you buy a standard black one sold at the store. 8. You wear casual clothes and tennis shoes to stores/restaurants (not just the gym). You are not expected to wear the latest fashion to do shopping or general errands.
9. You eat food and drink beverages anywhere on the street, in the car, on the bus or train without thinking it’s rude to others. 10. You don’t think to continue working at your place of employment after the hours Monday- Friday -- 9AM-5PM. You leave the office to enjoy time with your friends or family. Also, if you are finished with your work, you do not wait for your supervisor to leave the office before your feel it’s OK to go home.
11. When you go to a restaurant, you order an individual plate of food for yourself to eat. You are not expected to order several appetizers or dishes to share with your friends. 12. You stop giving gifts to American friends each time your friends give you something. Instead, you just say ‘thank you.’
