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The differences between Americans and Europeans, especially Western Europeans, seem to be endless, no matter where you look. The driving culture is different, the restaurant culture is different, and people carry themselves differently when they’re out and about. Even the smallest things, such as the temperature of drinking water, are things Europeans and Americans are ready to disagree on.

However, if there is one thing both sides can agree on, it's that they love teasing each other about these differences. Americans like to point at European high taxes, paid bathrooms, and awful smoking habits. Europeans, on the other hand, like to bring up the healthcare system, sugary foods, and the unfair tipping arrangements.

So, it’s no surprise that when the recent trend of things that the “European mind can’t comprehend” took off, the Europeans were ready to strike back. They all took it personally and came up with a bunch of things that the “American mind can’t comprehend,” and shared them online. Scroll down to marvel at the funniest of them all.

#1

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

Max_i_mm Report

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BlindAres
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, if someone wants to lear at me, while I'm in a public restroom, through a small gap then they better be prepared to defend themselves.

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When it comes to the differences between the US and Europe, one has to remember that they both are quite big and have lots of different realities scattered all over. Living in California, for example, is not the same as living in Mississippi, just like living in France is not the same as living in Hungary. 

So, when it comes to a lot of these judgements, one always has to keep in mind that they often refer to the generalized portraits of society that reflect a lot of the common stereotypes. 

That being said, the differences are still notable. For example, one cannot deny that driving is very different on the opposite sides of the pond. The roads in the US are wider, cars are bigger, and distances are way longer. Cars are also more essential in America, too, as they are often necessary for a person to do essential everyday stuff like getting groceries and commuting to work. 

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European roads and cars are more compact and the rules are more elaborate. Driving is often a hassle and owning a car can be very expensive. If you live in a city, you can easily get away without driving or getting a license for that matter and not feel any inconvenience.

#4

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

paul_winginit Report

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Robert T
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to get a full cooked breakfast on British Airways domestic flights, even on flights on a tiny turboprop that were an hour long. Was soooo much better than the 4 hour drive.

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#5

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

ConcordD0m Report

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TheAmericanAmerican
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meh, this one's weak. I learned both the moronic imperial system AND the metric system in my 1990-2000s US education.

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#6

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Europeans understand tipping. It is used to express gratitude for excellent service. What they can't understand is how employees are not paid a fair wage that is not dependant on the number of customers or their generosity.

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This and many other differences between Europeans and Americans seem to stem from the value gap between the two sides. This means that, fundamentally, we simply have vastly different points of view. 

#7

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

nat__noir Report

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Adam S
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol, to be fair I’m a Brit and I once ended up on this unexpectedly…I somehow almost reversed into a ride-on lawnmower. So I’ll forgive the Americans not getting this one either 😝

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#8

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Sum Guy
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In SA, most (in new houses) open to the outside and are top-hung and not bottom-hung. I feel that is better since they aren't falling back on curtains or blinds

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Take individualism as an example. Americans tend to prioritize individual freedoms over the role of the state in one’s life. They prefer to pursue their goals without the government’s interference. Europeans feel the opposite. They believe that the state needs to ensure that society as a whole is healthy and taken care of. This comes before one’s personal objectives. Overall, it often means that in America, people tend to build themselves up while in Europe, people are more oriented towards communities.

#10

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Mrs. Ginger McSarcasm
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They exist in America. They're just not the same as they once were. The toy is in one half and the food part in the other half

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The difference between the personal and the communal come in play in the same driving example. In the US, the cars are bigger to accommodate the driver’s personal needs. In Europe, the cars are smaller so that the roads can accommodate more drivers. 

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#15

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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TheAmericanAmerican
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But but how else are the bloodsucking insurance companies supposed to make their profits??? Who'll think of the billionaires?? 🥺

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Americans are also more tolerant of offensive speech as they put freedom above anything else. Having a right to express your opinion, no matter how inflammatory it is, is a big part of American mentality. As much as 77% of them believe that “people should be able to make statements that are offensive to your religion or beliefs publicly.” 

#16

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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jimmy jack
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Living in Germany these are on every house, dont have A/C but these really help keep the house cool

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#17

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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#18

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Annik Perrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They used to be common here. It's the original bidet, for washing "down there". Bidet is a deprecating name for "horse", since you had to ride it. It was introduced in the late 19th century... as a preventative for both MSTs and unwanted pregnancies, and was first popular with courtesans. "Honest" women didn't touch ( or wash) " those places".

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Europeans, on the other hand, are a bit more cautious about things like that. Many tend to be more conservative and prefer to keep their controversial opinions to themselves. 

#19

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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TheAmericanAmerican
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best add the mainland European minds to the list since I've yet to meet one who does this ;)

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The American dream—the idea that hard work will get you further in life—is also still a big part of the American lifestyle. The majority of them believe that you are the one in charge of your own success and your efforts determine where you will end up. No wonder hustle culture is so popular there.

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In Europe, people are a little more wary of such ideas. For example, 69% of Germans agree that success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside of your control. This could be your family, your sex, your race, your orientation, how rich you are, where you were born, etc. Maybe that’s why Europeans tend to shun excessive work and value work-life balance more.

#25

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Feathered Dinosaur
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm German like that clown and I can't comprehend this either. I hope he just wants to share with 12 buddies

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All in all, we are quite different. The great thing is that we can often see past these differences and get along quite well. Sure, we might tease each other about car transmissions and measurement systems, but it’s all rooted in deep fondness for one another.

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#28

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Kobe (she)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everywhere though. Come to the Netherlands and you will pay like 3 euros for a small one ( 1/4 liter , which is half the size on te picture)

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#29

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Bobert Robertson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Technically we are just as "American" as people from USA or Mexico, just we Canadians and Mexicans don't mind not being called American due to the association

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UselessKnowledgeFont
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Correct. Canadians on the other hand (at least in Ontario) seem stuck with it. Fwiw I hated the brief time we had bagged milk for school lunches. So difficult not to poke your straw all the way through

Khavrinen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, we got milk in bags delivered to our house in America when I was a kid. Of course, that was fifty years ago...

Kristy Sambey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s Canada for ya. Every time I go back they give me the giggles. (Live in the States, now.)

kool mudkips
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wisconsin does their milk like this. I was surprised when working there. You can get a pitcher at the grocery store. Just grab one if it is needed. The bag hooks on and it works well. Without all of the wasted plastic Jugs. It should definitely be the norm.

tw 72
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They tried it on the West Coast in the 70s. I thought it was a great idea but it never caught on.

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Milena Radeva
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is Canadian milk. 4 litres of milk in 3 bags in one pack. It’s cheaper that way. All the smaller ½, 1 and 2 litres are sold in cartons, or bottles.

Kipper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have lived in Canada for 50 years and never had a bag of milk. I always buy cartons

Wendy Semko
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had it for a while in my part of Canada, but it disappeared after a couple of years.

Gina
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have milk and the cartons that we can leave in. The pantry is called shelf milk.

Andy Gibbesh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still the default option in large parts of Canada. As someone who's only ever lived with this being the main option, I've never had any complaints.

Daniel Politeski
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually only on Ontario, Canada. The rest of Canada uses 4 litre plastic jugs or paper cartons for smaller sizes.

Chewie Baron
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 6, then 8-10, I was fostered on a farm, where we had goats. Their milk was sold commercially and in the early 1980s, goats milk was only sold in health food shops. The milk from our goats was sold in bags like these.

Nosirrow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We used to have these in Poland when I was little. But my family would buy milk from a farmer. I wish we could still do that but it's impossible bc if EU.

SarcasticSloth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this one got flipped from the “European mind can’t comprehend this” post.

Elizabeth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had small bag milks for school lunch when I was in elementary school (in the US). Problem was, giving a bunch of young kids pointy straws and then telling them to stab the bags produced all of the problems that you can picture and more. They phased them out for cartons by the time I was in 3rd grade.

nm
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

4 Liters!!!!! I have seen it in Brazil but only 1 liter.

Mary Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is canadian...and, while great for the environment, it doesn't taste as good...

Janos Schumacher
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We had bagged milk in Northern MN for a while. Irritating. We all had to buy the pitchers. At lunch at school it was weird. The straw stabbing thing was strange but we figured it out. After a year of bagged milk, we went back to normal milk containers and we haven't seen the bags since.

Nilsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That company is based in Toronto, Canada. I've travelled in 18 countries in Europe and never saw bagged milk in any of them

Geoffrey Scott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quality dairy, Lansing Mi. !/2 gal bags, hard plastic holder to put the bag in, cut the top corner...looooooooong time ago

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#31

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

villanelliee Report

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Stardust she/her
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The UK must be way smaller than I thought. It takes 2 days to cross my state on car

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#34

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

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Full Name
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents did this in the 1930s. Pretty sure we can get a handle on it.

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#37

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#40

European-Things-American-Mind-Cant-Comprehend

linusalf Report

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Ace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my lord. I'd like to assure any American readers that you are not alone - this is an abomination regardless of nationality.

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