3 American myths I don't believe anymore after living in Europe

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their personal journey of moving from the U.S. to Spain and how it drastically shifted their perspective on life. They reflect on the myths they once believed, such as the American value of constant busyness and the importance of independence, contrasting them with the more relaxed, community-focused lifestyle in Spain. The speaker discusses the benefits of slowing down, valuing leisure, and building meaningful connections, highlighting how these changes improved their well-being. The video encourages viewers to challenge societal norms and embrace healthier, more balanced habits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Moving to Spain led to a major shift in perspective on American cultural myths and daily habits.
• 😀 Busyness in the U.S. is often seen as a sign of success, but in Spain, slowing down and taking time for rest is valued for well-being.
• 😀 The American myth that high blood pressure and constant anxiety are the price of success is challenged by the slower, more relaxed Spanish lifestyle.
• 😀 Time in Spain is meant to be appreciated, not just filled. Leisure is considered an important part of life, not laziness.
• 😀 Spain’s long, leisurely lunches and afternoon naps (siestas) allow for recharging, making people more productive overall.
• 😀 Tipping in the U.S. is an expected norm, but in Spain, it is a token of gratitude, helping reduce financial stress when dining out.
• 😀 The American practice of isolating independence is contrasted with Spain’s culture of interdependence and connection with family and community.
• 😀 In Spain, social gatherings are more about enjoying the company of others than rushing through meals or activities.
• 😀 Learning to embrace community and rely on others in Spain leads to a more fulfilling, less stressful life.
• 😀 Living in Spain taught that societal systems like healthcare and education can prioritize people over profit, showing that there are alternative ways to organize society for the betterment of individuals.

Q & A

What major shift did the speaker experience after moving from the U.S. to Spain?

The speaker experienced a shift from a fast-paced, work-focused life to a slower, more balanced lifestyle in Spain. They learned to appreciate leisure, reduce anxiety, and prioritize well-being over constant busyness.

How did the concept of time differ between the U.S. and Spain for the speaker?

In the U.S., time was viewed as something to fill with work and tasks, while in Spain, the speaker learned that time should be appreciated and used to rest, recharge, and connect with others.

What was the speaker's experience with lunch in Spain, and how did it challenge their American habits?

The speaker's first lunch in Spain was almost three hours long, with slow-paced food and conversation. This was a stark contrast to their American habit of eating quickly, highlighting the Spanish focus on enjoying meals and taking time to connect.

How did the speaker's view on busyness and success change after living in Spain?

In the U.S., the speaker believed that busyness equaled value and success. However, in Spain, they realized that slowing down was not a sign of laziness but a way to live fully and reduce stress, leading to better health and productivity.

What was the speaker's perspective on tipping culture in the U.S. after moving to Europe?

The speaker felt that tipping culture in the U.S. was excessive, with a minimum of 20% expected on meals. In Europe, they realized that gratuity was a token of gratitude and there were no hidden costs like taxes, making dining more relaxed.

How does the speaker contrast healthcare and education systems in the U.S. and Europe?

The speaker highlights that in the U.S., healthcare and education often come with stress and financial burdens, whereas in Europe, these services are more affordable, accessible, and less anxiety-inducing, allowing for a healthier, more balanced life.

What did the speaker learn about independence while living in Spain?

The speaker realized that while independence is highly valued in the U.S., Spain emphasizes interdependence and community. They saw that relying on family and friends, and participating in social activities, leads to greater happiness and a sense of belonging.

What was the role of social connections and community in the speaker's experience in Spain?

The speaker observed that Spaniards place a high value on family, friends, and community. They found that socializing and relying on others was not a weakness, but a source of strength, contributing to their overall happiness and well-being.

How did the speaker's perspective on freedom change after experiencing life in Spain?

The speaker came to understand that true freedom in Spain wasn't about isolation or doing everything on your own. Instead, it was about having the freedom to choose interdependence and enjoy meaningful connections with others.

What advice does the speaker give to others who want to adopt a more balanced lifestyle?

The speaker encourages people to start small by incorporating habits like longer lunches, afternoon naps, or slow walks into their routine, even if they don't live in Europe. They emphasize that these changes can lead to a more relaxed and fulfilling life.