What feels like a regular Tuesday in the U.S. can look absolutely wild to someone from another country. I’m not kidding—sometimes I catch myself doing something totally ordinary (like sipping a $7 oat milk latte in leggings I didn’t exercise in) and think, “Wait, is this just an American thing?”
From beauty rituals to the way we treat pets, there’s a list of things American women swear by that might make people elsewhere do a double take. If you’ve ever seen the disbelief on a visitor’s face when you tip for your drive-thru coffee, you know what I mean.
Some of these habits are hilarious, some are sweet, and a few are a little extra—but all of them feel completely normal if you grew up in the States. Let’s get real: it’s fun being a little weird sometimes. Here are 16 things that are second nature to American women (but might leave the rest of the world mystified).
1. Athleisure All Day, Every Day
Yoga pants at the grocery store? Absolutely. There’s something almost rebellious about rolling out of bed, skipping the gym entirely, and still rocking workout clothes until dinner. For a lot of American women, it’s a statement: comfort is non-negotiable, and honestly, who says you can’t be ready for a spontaneous stretch in the produce aisle?
I remember once traveling abroad and realizing my leggings-and-hoodie combo was totally out of place. Apparently in some places, athleisure means you are actually headed to the gym. Here, it might just mean you have errands or a brunch date, and those sneakers are for speed, not sweat.
Fun fact: “athleisure” is so popular in the U.S. that entire brands have built empires around the look. Why wear jeans when stretchy, buttery-soft pants exist? Seriously, who needs zippers?
2. Coffee Orders With a Side of Chaos
Ever rattled off a coffee order so detailed it could be its own novella? That’s an American specialty. I swear, there’s a sense of pride in being able to say, “Grande iced oat milk vanilla chai, light ice, 2 pumps sugar-free, extra cinnamon,” without breaking a sweat.
My best friend from Europe once stared in awe as I ordered my custom caffeine fix—then whispered, “Is that really allowed?” In most places, coffee comes how it comes. But here, personalizing your caffeine is a rite of passage.
Baristas sometimes raise an eyebrow, but you’ll always find someone behind you ordering something even wilder. Customization is practically a core value. If you don’t have at least three specific tweaks, are you even awake yet?
3. Smiling at Strangers (and Meaning It)
“Smile at everyone,” my mom always said. Flashing a grin to people you’ve never met is just how we roll. There’s real power in those quick, casual connections—sometimes it brightens someone’s day, and sometimes it just confuses tourists.
In other places, my cheerful hellos drew side-eyes or even suspicion. Turns out, not every culture thinks a random smile is friendly—sometimes it reads as flirting or just plain odd. Here, it’s a small act of optimism.
I’ll admit: I’ve smiled at a complete stranger, gotten a smile back, and suddenly felt like maybe the world isn’t so big after all. It’s a tiny gesture, but it feels like home. Who knew a smile could be so uniquely American?
4. The Infinite Jeans Paradox
Raise your hand if you’ve ever said, “I have nothing to wear,” while staring at a literal mountain of jeans. The American relationship with denim is a saga. Different washes, fits, rips—each one has a backstory, a mood, and a purpose.
I’ve got “good day” jeans, “errand” jeans, and the pair I swear fit before I had kids. I still can’t let any of them go. My friends abroad have maybe two pairs—and honestly, they don’t get the obsession.
Denim is practical, stylish, and practically a national uniform. But the real reason we cling to so many? It’s a security blanket of style. One day, every pair might come in handy. Maybe. Probably. Someday.
5. TikTok Made Me Buy It: Skincare Edition
There’s a running joke that if a beauty product goes viral, American women will empty shelves for it—no questions asked. I’m guilty as charged. If my favorite influencer swears by a $40 serum in a pastel bottle, I want it yesterday.
My bathroom shelf is proof: cleansers, masks, lotions, gels, all from TikTok hauls. Sometimes the results are magic, sometimes it’s a lesson learned. But there’s real excitement in trying what’s new and sharing results (good or bad) with friends.
Skincare here isn’t just about self-care—it’s a group activity, a conversation starter, and yes, an experiment. I may be glowing or I may be peeling, but at least I’m not missing out on the trend.
6. Engagement Rings That Stun (and Blind)
Somewhere along the line, “just under three carats” became the American standard for engagement rings. My European friend once whispered, “That’s… for your finger?” when she saw mine. Here, bigger is often better—or at least, more impressive in photos.
There’s a strange thrill in flashing a ring that catches the light (and maybe an entire restaurant’s attention). In other cultures, something simpler is the norm, but American women love a bit of drama on the left hand.
It’s not about outshining anyone—it’s about tradition, a little bit of sparkle, and the joy of celebrating big love with big bling. Diamonds might not be forever everywhere, but here, they sure try to be.
7. Fur Babies Over Everything
If you know, you know: pets are family. In the U.S., it’s totally normal to throw your dog a birthday party, complete with a homemade cake and an embarrassing hat. I’ve probably baked more for my “fur baby” than for ex-boyfriends—and I have zero regrets.
Friends from abroad find it hilarious when they spot my dog’s Instagram account or see the album of professional photos. Here, pets get gifts, spa days, and a spot on the holiday card.
Some call it over the top. I call it love. If you haven’t made a dog treat shaped like a bone while wearing matching pajamas, can you even call yourself a pet parent?
8. Balloons and T-Shirts: The Celebration Formula
There’s no such thing as too much when it comes to celebrating. Girls’ trip to Vegas? You better believe there are matching T-shirts and a balloon arch for the hotel selfie. Even the smallest event becomes an excuse to personalize everything.
I’ve seen Tuesday night dinners with custom napkins and bachelorette parties with mugs, hats, and socks monogrammed for each guest. It’s extra, it’s silly, and it’s uniquely us.
Half the fun is the prep—brainstorming puns and scrolling Etsy for the perfect design. The memories (and group photos) last way longer than the actual party. Would I change it? Not a chance.
9. Water Bottle Overload
Water bottles are basically modern-day security blankets. I have one for hot yoga, one for the car, and one that just makes water taste better (don’t ask why—it’s a thing). Some American kitchens have entire drawers dedicated to the collection.
Every new viral tumbler feels like a must-have. My friends from overseas are baffled: “How many do you need?” The answer is: at least one more than you currently own.
It’s not just about hydration—it’s about style, temperature control, and sometimes just flexing a cute sticker. Staying hydrated has never felt so… curated.
10. Oversharing Is an Art Form
Posting your deepest feelings for the internet to see? That’s a Tuesday. In America, “being vulnerable” online has become almost a sport—divorce updates, healing journeys, and overshares are just part of the digital landscape.
I once announced a breakup on Facebook with a ten-paragraph essay. In other cultures, this might be a private diary moment. Here, it’s met with supportive comments and DMs from distant cousins.
Some call it too much, but honestly, it’s cathartic. There’s a comfort in knowing you’re not the only one feeling what you’re feeling—even if an algorithm is watching.
11. Airport Flip-Flop Chic
Only in America do flip-flops double as airport footwear. There’s a kind of freedom in slipping through TSA with toes on display. I know, the floors are gross, but the convenience is irresistible.
My friend from Europe once gasped, “Aren’t you cold?” Apparently, the international vibe is sturdy shoes and socks. Here, comfort beats all—if I can kick them off on the plane, they’re airport-approved.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s a rebellion against travel stress. The world is chaotic, but at least my feet are happy. Plus, there’s something fiercely “I do what I want” about sandals at 6 a.m.
12. The #Blessed Mindset
You haven’t truly lived the American experience until you’ve called your coffee, your day, or your socks “blessed.” There’s something so earnest (and a little over-the-top) about declaring gratitude for even the smallest joy.
Friends from abroad tease me for texting “#blessed” after finding a good parking spot. But honestly, it’s kind of sweet to celebrate tiny victories. Sometimes, leaning into that positivity just feels good.
The word might be cliché, but the sentiment is real: life’s messy, and if leggings and lattes make it better, why not count every single one as a blessing?
13. Baby Showers Like Wedding Receptions
If you’ve ever been to a baby shower with a dessert table that rivals a wedding, welcome to the club. It’s not just about gifts—it’s about themes, color palettes, and a gender reveal dramatic enough for a reality TV finale.
I once helped plan a “Woodland Creatures” shower, complete with custom cupcakes and a smoke cannon. Friends from abroad are shocked: “For a baby?” Yes, for a baby—and every guest leaves with a personalized favor.
It’s part celebration, part Pinterest competition, and all about making moms-to-be feel like royalty. Over the top? Maybe. Memorable? Always.
14. Target: The Happy Place
For a lot of American women, Target isn’t just a store—it’s a mood booster. There’s something oddly therapeutic about strolling the aisles, finding unnecessary throw pillows, and sipping a Starbucks while you “just look.”
A friend once asked what I do for self-care. My honest answer? Two hours wandering through Target with no end goal. Abroad, this might sound like a waste of time, but here, it’s pure bliss.
The $5 section is a siren song, and don’t even get me started on the seasonal displays. Retail therapy, American style, is best enjoyed with a red cart and zero guilt.
15. “Literally” Doesn’t Mean Literally
One thing about American women: we love a little drama in our language. “I literally can’t even.” “I literally died.” The exaggeration is the point, not the accuracy. For outsiders, it’s baffling. Here, it’s just how we talk.
I’ve had friends correct me: “But you’re very much alive…” Yet nothing quite captures how annoyed or excited I am like tossing “literally” around. It’s a badge of expressive storytelling.
It’s not about facts—it’s about feelings. If I say I “literally melted” during a meeting, chances are I was just a little uncomfortable. But hey, the English language is flexible, right?
16. Tipping: The Guilt Trip
Tipping is practically a moral dilemma. I’ve hovered over the iPad at a coffee shop, sweating over whether 15% is enough for someone who just handed me a muffin. In America, tipping is everywhere—restaurants, hair salons, even food trucks.
Other countries don’t get it. Some think it’s rude. Here, not tipping feels like a personal failure, like you just told your barista you hate gratitude.
It’s complicated, it’s awkward, and yet, every American woman I know does it. There’s a certain relief in seeing a “no tip necessary” sign, but let’s be honest—how often does that happen?