For example, I'm a white Jewish guy but I've adopted the Japanese practice of keeping dedicated house slippers at the front door.

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[–] 89 points 3 years ago (7 children)

American, here. Got a bidet, and I am never going back. The fact that this isn't standard in American households is disgusting.

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    [–] 72 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    I set all my digital clocks to 24hr mode, something I picked up after living in Europe. Would never go back.

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  • [–] 61 points 3 years ago (4 children)

    Before I quit drinking I believe I was following Russian culture with my vodka intake.

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    [–] 51 points 3 years ago (8 children)

    I cross my sevens like a German.

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  • [–] 14 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    This is a German thing? I know tons of people here in Canada who do it.

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    [–] 41 points 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago) (8 children)

    I'm British and I say y'all fairly often. It just rolls off the tongue.

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    [–] 31 points 3 years ago

    Stretching. I think this originally came from southeast Asia, its so far back that its hard to discover. But I stretch every single morning. As a Native American I need that to limber up so I can dance, which I enjoy doing.

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  • [–] 29 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    Sleeping on a thin futon laid out on the floor (Japan / Korea). And riding a bike or e-bike everywhere (Netherlands), even though US cities and infrastructure are hostile to humans

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    [–] 27 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    I heard Koreans use metal chopsticks and bought pack home. Took some time to learn how to use those but so much easier when I can put those in dishwasher.

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  • [–] 26 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    From the USA: wearing a white t-shirt under my shirt or t-shirt. Helps preventing sweat stains under armpits. Really hot in the summer though

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  • [–] 10 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Try and get 100% cotton. It's the polyester that makes it hot.

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  • [–] 20 points 3 years ago (7 children)

    In the SW USA in summer it can get 117F (47C) and let me tell you, my dude, 100% cotton is still hot as hell.

    I don't know this for sure, but to me it seems like the whole suit and tie and jacket thing was a northern European tradition and eventually an eastern USA tradition where it's cold. That shit don't work in the desert, and those who continue to claim "professionalism" and maintain such stupid customs are fools, in my opinion.

    I'm not middle eastern but those dudes have the correct answer to the desert. I really wish the thawb would catch on in the Sonoran Desert of the southwest USA.

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  • [–] 26 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    I've learned from the Japanese phrase 'itadakimasu,' which is said before eating as a way to thank the person that prepared the food. I think in the west, a lot of us grew up learning to say things like grace before a meal, but that is too religious for me and gives God credit for peoples' hard work instead. I love the idea of ritualistically thanking the people who actually made the food. It was one of the things I appreciated while studying there that has stuck with me.

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    [–] 26 points 3 years ago (6 children)

    I would LOVE the house slipper bit. I've suggested it so many times. Wife and kids just won't go for it. Wife says it's rude to ask a guest to take off their shoes. I disagree but she just can't see my point or view. If you want to enter my house, show respect and take off your shoes to keep my house clean.

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  • [–] 16 points 3 years ago

    I just don't get it lol. Whenever I enter someone's house for the first time I ask "would you like me to take my shoes off?".

    It's not that hard, and especially obvious if they have light colored carpet

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    [–] 25 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    I wear a mask unless I need my mouth for something.

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    [–] 20 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    I'm a big white guy but I wear sarongs all the time, having grown up on Java and wore them as a kid. Soooo comfortable and versatile.

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    [–] 15 points 3 years ago* (3 children)

    I was what I think we would now call a "weeb" in my junior/senior year of high school, and had studied Japanese culture before making a short trip over there in the summer. One of the things I learned was that blowing your nose in public is seen as bad manners, and it really stuck with me. When you think about it, it is pretty gross to loudly blow snot into a tissue (bonus points for carrying a handkerchief!) in front of others, like (as an American) we'll just do this at the dinner table without batting an eye.

    To this day, I try not to blow my nose in public places or in front of folks if I can avoid it, because it has grossed me out ever since learning how Japanese culture perceives it.

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  • [–] 16 points 3 years ago

    Wtf? That is super gross. I'm Canadian and I don't know anyone who would do it at the dinner table. I've seen my boss do it at his desk but he turns to face the corner next to his desk first.

    Ime most people go to the washroom to do it, or at least make sure they're not near anyone else.

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    [–] 15 points 3 years ago (9 children)

    I adopt representing 3 with thumb, index, and middle finger (German?), Instead of the usual index, middle, ring. This is easier for teaching my little girl as her hands muscle aren't fully developed yet and have a hard time controlling her ring finger.

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    [+] 14 points 3 years ago (5 children)
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    [–] 13 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    I am not Jewish, but I have adopted the practice of placing stones/pebbles on my parents' gravestone each time I visit.

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    [–] 12 points 3 years ago (5 children)

    A few jump to mind.

    I say No Worries quite a lot.

    I use chopsticks as much as a fork at home.

    I take my shoes off inside.

    I'll order a Pint.

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    [–] 11 points 3 years ago* (1 child)

    I was raised in an extremely conservative Southern Baptist Christian tradition, but I often recite the Hail Mary and/or the first line of the Shema (in admittedly very poor Hebrew) when I pray. There's something about knowing that the same prayer has been prayed by millions and millions of humans through history that makes me feel more connected.

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    [–] 11 points 3 years ago (3 children)

    I drink Yerba Mate, and I'm from Australia

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    [–] 11 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    I've lived in Japan for a long time. I make a lot of Japanese noises now.

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    [–] 11 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    My wife and I celebrate White Day, or at least a version of it. She buys/makes a gift for me on Valentines, and I buy/make one for her a month later.

    Doesn't really change much, but it's a fun little twist.

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