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Hey! Ever wondered what things Americans find totally normal that make the rest of the world go, "Wait, really?" Well, grab a seat because we’re diving straight into some hilarious and surprising quirks you probably didn’t know about the US.

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#1

Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

syphilliticmongoose , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

Americans love to thank veterans like they’re heroes (which they are), but sometimes the support for vets, especially when it comes to mental health, doesn’t quite match the applause.

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America: land of big deals, big dreams, and basically, big everything. But beneath those giant burgers and Hollywood glitz, things get pretty interesting - sometimes in surprising ways.

Turns out, lots of people (even Americans!) are kind of side-eyeing some of these quirks. We've rounded up a bunch of funny, weird, and head-scratchy things that Americans say 'yep, that's just how we do it!'

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    #2

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    stanagetocurbar , pressfoto (not the actual photo) Report

    Imagine having a heart surgery and then getting buried under a mountain of debt. That’s a real thing for some in America, while others across the pond might only pay for parking (or nothing) at hospitals. Mind = blown.

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    #3

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    DDSC12 , ungvar/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    From crazy political drama to guns galore, insane credit score anxiety, and paying by checks like it’s 1950 - Americans just rock their own unique mix of weird everyday stuff.

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    #4

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    jimjamjimmerson , ijeab/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Linking your health insurance to your job is one of those American things that leaves other countries scratching their heads. Work probably shouldn’t come with a health plan, right?

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    #5

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    Monika396 , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Here’s a classic American head-scratcher: At 18, you can drive and even buy a gun, but good luck buying booze legally until you hit 21. Yep, rules make no sense sometimes.

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    #6

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    yeetgodmcnechass , wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Your cousin’s graduation just got an airport vibe - metal detectors and all. Schools with security lines? That’s some serious 'Murica stuff right there.

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    #7

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    dannydevon , Jason Leung/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Sometimes, what feels like “news” in the US is really just someone’s hot take dressed up nicely. Gets tricky to tell what’s opinion and what’s fact!

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    #8

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    KimPTM , Alcatraz1331(not the actual photo) Report

    Americans hate public indecency but leave giant gaps in bathroom stalls. It’s like sharing but not sharing at the same time. Privacy? Meh!

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    #9

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    pingerlol , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    You graduate, but the bills don't stop. College loans in the US are like that unwanted friend who just won't leave - even 30 years later!

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    #10

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    Tissnowjoke , camstejim/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Someone actually felt guilty calling an ambulance for their coworker, worried it would leave them drowning in debt. That’s just wild!

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    #11

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    dannydevon , Wesley Tingey/Unplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Many Americans literally have no idea about their own country’s foreign policies or secretive wars. It’s like, who’s running the show here?

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    #12

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    mayners , evsergeev36/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    When ‘safety’ means strapping kids with bulletproof vests and locking down schools like fortresses, it’s safe to say ‘US of WTF’ vibes are strong.

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    #13

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    KaimeiJay , pvproductions/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    In America, driving for hours barely gets you anywhere new. In Europe, cross a border and suddenly the language, food, and vibe totally flip. Big roads mean big spaces!

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    #14

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    anon , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Prices that don’t include tax? Yep. You think you’re paying $9.95 and then - bam! - extra tax hits at the register. Sales tax roulette much?

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    #15

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    xx_Fiddler_xx , ndreypopov/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Most Americans put off seeing the doctor until a problem is seriously bad. Like ‘I have a headache for 3 months’ bad - then boom, ER trip!

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    #16

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    Misrabelle , DC Studio/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    In the US, tipping isn’t optional. It’s basically required. Which means you’re basically an unpaid waiter unless you shell out extra. Wild, right?

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    #17

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    FlattenYourCardboard , The Yuri Arcurs Collection/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    America takes teeth whitening seriously. So seriously that some smiles could power a lighthouse.

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    #18

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    throw_away_17381 , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    People who don’t even own your house telling you how to take care of it? Welcome to Home Owner Associations, the ultimate neighborhood boss.

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    #19

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    anon , inguskruklitis/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Car culture is king in the US, and public transportation? Meh, not so much. Walking everywhere? Rarely the American way.

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    #20

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    Smooth-Ostrich1514 , fentonroma143/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Obesity rates soar in some parts, leading to situations where walking is a real challenge. Yikes!

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    #21

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    MaxRockafeller , cookie_studio/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Watching political ads during election season is like watching a total trash talk fight. Take a deep breath, it’s about to get rough.

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    #22

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    azen96 , dhdezvalle/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Some countries barely see a firearm; in the US, guns are everywhere - even some police don’t carry them. Wild, right?

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    #23

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    djae_ , Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Kids in school practically have to recite the pledge like it’s the national anthem. Talk about patriotic homework!

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    #24

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    anon , wirestock/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Good news: Americans can talk smack about the powers that be without getting thrown in the slammer. Freedom of speech for the win!

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    #25

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    silkybow- , TravelScape/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    America’s date format is a whole other language: month, day, year. While much of the world goes day, month, year, it’s like decoding secret messages every time!

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    #26

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    Rashthatsme , DC Studio/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    It’s America, where even a trip to the doctor can leave you looking at a bill that makes your jaw drop. Yikes!

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    #27

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    LuScorpio68 , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    American cities are packed with giant trucks – the kind that make walking or biking a minor challenge at best.

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    #28

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    InsaneRabbitDaddy , Alex Shuper/Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    Republicans wear red, Democrats wear blue. But in Canada, it’s totally the opposite. Also, why drop the ‘u’ in colour? America, you weird.

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    #29

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    thetriplem21 , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Americans don’t usually even think twice about walking inside with their shoes on - cue plenty of concerned raised eyebrows worldwide.

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    #30

    brainey95 Report

    Americans call the 24-hour clock “military time” when really, the rest of the world just calls it regular time. Fancy!

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    #31

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    fleepo , TravelScape/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    American cities are spread out with stores and roads for cars, not for folks on foot. Kind of hard to get anywhere without a ride.

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    #32

    CleverDad Report

    Believe it or not, checks are still a thing in America. If you’re under 30, this one’s gonna blow your mind.

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    #33

    Brilliant-String-727 Report

    ‘Alice’ drills in schools? They’re basically practice runs for, well, super scary situations. Not your average fire drill!

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    #34

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    inksmudgedhands , Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Americans can chat your ear off but don’t dare sit too close to them on an empty bus. Personal space is serious business.

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    #35

    anon Report

    In America, circumcision is a pretty common thing, which might surprise people from places where it’s not done.

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    #36

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    beigeturtletail , Jomkwan/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Need hotter coffee? Just pop it in the microwave. Kettles are oddly uncommon!

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    #37

    dannydevon Report

    Take a tiny sip of alcohol and suddenly you’re hooting and hollering like it’s the biggest deal ever. American party vibes for sure!

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    #38

    CloudBuilder44 Report

    Americans carry groceries in boxes more than bags of fresh fruits or veggies. Why keep it fresh when it comes in a box, right?

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    #39

    BasalTripod9684 Report

    Lots of Americans bash their country hard, but mention it to a foreigner and boom - they turn into the ultimate ‘Murica cheerleader.

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    #40

    CazCMA Report

    Is it salad dressing? Is it dip? Ranch is both, and Americans are wildly obsessed with it.

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    #41

    Wait, Americans Do That?! 30 Totally Normal Things That Baffled Non-Americans

    anon , 4595886/Freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    Amazing how many American homes skip ceiling lights in the living room. Lamps and mood lighting rule here.

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    #42

    undivided-assUmption Report

    Meeting someone new and immediately asking about their job? Sounds normal in the US, but many others find this super off-putting.

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    #43

    SuvenPan Report

    Americans like to grind their food waste right down the drain with fancy garbage disposals - a kitchen thing that definitely looks odd to outsiders.

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