
02/02/2025
*FIRST AMERICAN CULTURE SHOCK I ENCOUNTERED*
Ever since I moved here, I’ve noticed something so simple yet surprising -it’s how Americans hold the door open for strangers (everyone).
Here’s what happens: You’re walking towards a door, and someone ahead of you stops, holds the door wide open, and waits for you to walk through. Even if you’re far behind, they’ll still wait. And it doesn’t matter if they know you or not, they just do it with a smile, no complaints, no expectations, no “CAN I HAVE YOUR NUMBER?” 😂
It’s not a one-off thing. This happens EVERYWHERE! Sometimes, it even becomes a chain reaction, as the next person holds the door for someone else. It looks like they’ve made kindness a habit.
In my home country, we show kindness in different ways but this habit is new to me and makes me feel welcome in an unfamiliar place. I’ve already perfected my door holding skills. 😄
Tell me, what comes to your mind when someone in your home country holds the door for you? 😂 Would you ever stop to hold the door for a stranger even if you were older than them? Do you think this is a bit too extra?