USA vs. Germany in a nutshell 😅

[schaind]

Americans are more likely to say, 'HOLD MY BEER'.
Germans are more likely to just drink it.

[ocimb]

As a french living in Germany, I can tell the exact same story. French people would ask "why would you live in Germany?" why every single german I meet is happy to hear my story and enthusiasm for the country. So it's not about germans VS americans (or french VS germans), it's the "normal" reaction people have depending on whether you left the country they're in VS you joined their country.

[cloudsn]

I remember years ago I visited Japan. When I got back I was so excited to share stories with some relatives. Instead of listening, they interrupted and started talking to each other "why would anyone visit Asia when they could go to Europe? There's so much more history in Europe. Art, culture, food." I'd rather someone be positive (even if it's a little fake) than negative. Or just don't say anything. Like my mom always said, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. I'm happy I choose Japan, I had a great time.

[californiahiker]

I’m German born American. When I leave for Germany for a visit my friends here tell me to have a wonderful time. When I leave Germany to go back home to the US people say “I sure hope your plane doesn’t crash“. After a couple of weeks of that kind of mindset I’m more than ready to return home to the US! That kind of negativity really gets to me!

[erikbrown]

Part of your argument is a quote from RFK: ""Some people see the world the way it is and ask why? see the world the way it never was and I ask 'Why not ?' '"

[tilmanmai]

I'm German and currently in Nairobi/ Kenia to learn the language (Swahili) as I want to relocate here. All the people I told about my plans have cheered me on but also congratulated me on my "brave" decision... I've worked in hospitality for decades and lived in five different countries. This I hope will be my last move. Hopefully😊

[lisapfl]

Funny, I moved to Munich from Texas in 2016. Frequently Germans ask me why I would leave the US to move to Germany. 😂

[seangregory]

I lived in Germany from the age of 13 till 18. I didn’t speak a word of German at first. I attended Gymnasium and after our time in Germany I now speak German. I made a lot of friends there. Yes, I was asked the same questions. Germans seem to be more cautious and reserved. They often have skewed views of the US ( as do Americans of Germany as well). Overall, living in Europe ( I lived in Belgium and Ireland as well) changed my life for the better. Both sides of the Atlantic could learn from each other.

[IrishKelly-db]

Dear Feli, it is real happiness. In our 1930s and 1940s, Americans needed good news. Luckily, we kept that, even though our news just focuses on the bad. You sharing good news, even if it is just for you, we will celebrate. Don't believe me? We celebrate together when we graduate. High school, college, Armed Service, even the end of the work week. Complete anything you were apart of, and most Americans will want to celebrate your good news. God's Blessings, Irish

[RustyShakleford]

Yeah, any German that thinks they have it so obviously better than us can absolutely keep thinking that.

[karlybyrd]

Happens in Netherlands, too. When I went thru passport control at Schiphol, I told the guy I spoke little Dutch (in Dutch). He asked why (in English) LOL I was so taken aback, like uhhhh idk because?? Why must you explain yourself?? 😂

[RealSimsHouse]

We get excited & hype ppl up, because life is hard & we are all working for something, so when someone finds something that makes them happy, why would we shut it down? Its not like your trying a new drug or something, your just doing or aiming for something that will in some way improve your quality of life.

[sonoficeni]

The apprehension Europeans feel about most things (considering the question, “what could possibly go wrong if I commit to an action?” vs. “What possible benefits will come from continuing along the same path I’m currently on?”) versus their American counterparts’ reactions is based on generational experience. Having two World Wars fought over the land that is now your town park in the space of just 30 years caused generational trauma.

[scrumbles]

I think this critical mindset is why germany is so famous for its engineers.

[antonioecruz]

My mom grew up in Germany and we were staying with her best childhood friend in Cologne. Her daughter was my age and, trying to be nice, told her that if she ever visited the states she should feel free to stay with me when she visits my city. She responded with “I would never go to the US, you all just voted for someone that’s going to start WWIII!” (This was right after the 2016 election. I just deadpan stared at her and said “we’re currently sitting and talking in a country that elected someone that /actually/ did start WWII”.

[kasaljf]

I was stationed in Germany from 1985 - 1989. I loved it but the Germans can be very close-minded. I married a very beautiful young German girl and and she has never wanted to move back to Germany. She says that it has changed and is not nice anymore. She has been there a day and is ready to get on the plane tomorrow to come home.

[derfranz]

I like to believe that the gene pool of people in the US solely consists of curious, adventurous, brave, maybe desperate, maybe naive, but for sure somewhat blatantly confident people who went on a ship to an unknown continent to start a new life.
And the frightened and cautious people stayed in Europe.
(I heard it from Stephen Fry…) 🤷🏻‍♀️

[erinleafty]

Us Americans love celebrating success by hyping up our friends family and anyone we're close to its brings out a lot of smiles more often than not its an all around feel good moment

[gregoryPurpura]

You are fortunate to be exploring the different cultures at your age - we need so much more of this in the world

[jjhendo]

Watching the news, people would think there's school shootings on a daily basis.