Americans fret over many things that other countries find amusing. Some worries seem monumental here in the US, but not elsewhere. Some of these concerns are logical – but others are too extreme for those with different rules or concerns. Here are 15 American fears that everyone else calls ‘first world problems.’
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Fear of Germs Everywhere
Americans have hand sanitizer, wipes, even sprays to combat germs. They’re afraid of picking up a cold or some other illness from the open air. Some won’t even open a door without using a tissue. In other countries, this seems ridiculous. People know germs are everywhere, but they don’t live life always looking to avoid them.
Fear of Tap Water
Americans refuse to drink tap water, even when it is absolutely safe. They’re concerned it’s not clean enough, or it’s chemically treated. Instead, they buy bottled water or use expensive filters. In most other countries, tap water is part of daily life. People drink it without thinking much & find it amusing that Americans worry so much.
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Fear of Spicy Food
Spicy foods tend to freak out most Americans. Some even can’t try mildly spicy food. They are afraid that it will be too strong, or worse, make their stomachs hurt. But, in countries like India, Mexico or Thailand, spicy meals are part of daily life. They don’t understand why Americans shy away from spice so much when it’s so flavorful.
Fear of Taking Public Transportation
Americans hate taking buses or trains — and would rather drive. They worry about crime, germs or just general safety. For them, driving is more comfortable and safer. But in major cities like Tokyo, Berlin or London — public transport is normal. People are comfortable using it. Cars are more of a hassle.
Fear of Unfiltered Coffee
Americans are devoted to drip coffee with paper filters. They believe that unfiltered coffee is too strong. Or they find it too coarse. Coffee from a French press or Turkish coffee also feels too much for them. In other countries that consume coffee on a daily basis, unfiltered coffee is coffee and nothing to be worried about.
Fear of Walking Alone at Night
Americans do not walk at night alone, even in safe areas. They worry about crime, or it just seems unsafe. Walking at night is perfectly acceptable in places such as Japan. It seems bizarre to them that Americans are so wary.
Fear of Raw Eggs
People are a bit wary of eating raw, even soft-boiled eggs in America. Undercooked eggs, they say, make you sick. But in countries such as Japan, raw eggs appear on the table all the time. They think it’s funny that Americans are so careful with eggs when they eat them raw all the time.
Fear of Natural Disasters
Most Americans are worried about earthquakes, tornadoes or hurricanes. They usually have emergency kits or even shelters. They understand the danger & plan ahead, sometimes in panic mode. For those in countries with less frequent natural catastrophes, this is surprising.
Fear of Wild Animals
In the US, campers or hikers are used to camping or hiking in fear of bears or mountain lions. They bring bear spray, make loud noises & even avoid certain areas. But people in other countries camp without much fuss. They find the American obsession with animal attacks amusing. It’s just not that common.
Fear of Unpasteurized Cheese
American consumers are warned against raw, or unpasteurized, cheese. They think it may contain harmful bacteria. But in France or Switzerland, raw cheese is a favorite. These people find it strange that Americans worry so much about something they enjoy every day without a second thought.
Fear of Public Restrooms
A lot of Americans are reluctant to use public toilets. They fear they’re dirty or that they’ll catch something. Some resist them outright. In most countries, public bathrooms are the norm – And everyone goes to them without thinking.
Fear of Foreign Foods
There are Americans who are uneasy about eating food from other cultures. They fret over ingredients they don’t know or spices that might not sit well with them. People outside of the United States find this reluctance baffling. Trying new food is considered adventurous & part of living in another culture.
Fear of Hitchhiking
In the United States, nobody actually likes to hitchhike because people think it’s dangerous. They’re concerned about picking up strangers or getting in someone else’s car. In places like New Zealand or parts of Europe, hitchhiking is common and seen as friendly.
Fear of Traveling Without a Guide
People in the United States tend to enjoy going abroad better if they are accompanied by a tour guide. They fear they will get lost, not understand the language or make mistakes. In other places, people take the road by themselves every day. People travel on their own all the time.
Fear of Silence
Americans don’t like it when people keep silent. They think it’s awkward or even rude to let a conversation pause. So, they fill it with small talk, even if they don’t have much to say. Silence in other cultures is natural, even respected.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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