You take a trip to a place where public decency is still the default standard, and coming back feels like stepping into a garbage can full of noise. Google calls it “reverse culture shock,” but let’s be honest—it’s just the crushing realization that we’ve stopped trying. I came back expecting to feel relieved, but instead, I was floored by how rude, obnoxious, and physically filthy we actually are.
It’s not just about manners; it’s about a total lack of awareness for anyone but yourself. If you’ve ever wondered why people are staring at you in public, it’s probably because you’re doing one of these things.
Here’s What Matters
The West Is Filthy Compared to the East You don’t realize how grimy we are until you see a homeless man in Tokyo sweeping the street in front of his tent. Here, we’re tossing trash out car windows and spitting on sidewalks like the pavement is a personal landfill. It’s not just about money or status; it’s about a baseline level of dignity that we seem to have lost. If a guy living in a tent can keep his area tidy, you have absolutely no excuse for throwing your fast-food bag on the highway.
Your Speakerphone Is Not a Public Service Announcement I don’t care about your shopping list, your drama, or your doctor’s appointment. Holding your phone away from your face and yelling into the bottom of it like a walkie-talkie isn’t convenient—it’s aggressive. Earbuds exist, and holding the device to your ear is the default setting for a reason. Stop forcing the entire bus or waiting room to participate in your conversation.
Watching TikToks at Full Volume Is a Personality Flaw I watched a woman blast a video about how technology is rotting kids’ brains while the rest of the dentist’s office sat in silence at 8 AM. The irony was lost on her, just like the volume control seems to be lost on everyone else. Put on headphones or read a book like a civilized adult. We don’t want a group listening experience, and we definitely don’t want to hear your ringtone testing session in the ER.
Sidewalks and Aisles Are for Moving, Not Chatting You and your three friends forming a human wall in the grocery store aren’t bonding; you’re being an obstacle course. When someone says “excuse me,” move. Don’t look at them like they asked you to eat a child. Get your chat out of the choke point, and let traffic flow. It’s a walkway, not a stand-in-the-way.
Let People Off the Elevator Before You Barge On This isn’t a game of Red Rover. Physics dictates that the space needs to clear before new bodies can enter. Get out of the way.
If Your Cart Touches Me, You’re Too Close I don’t know why you feel the need to tailgate me in the checkout line, but back off. If I can’t take a step backward without bumping into you, you have violated the social contract. I miss the pandemic floor markers, not because I loved the virus, but because they forced you to respect personal space. If anything you’re holding is touching a stranger, you are too close.
Littering Is Lazy, Not Rebellious Throwing a cigarette butt out the window isn’t cool. My brother picked one up and threw it back into the car that tossed it, and the driver was shocked. Keep your trash in your car until you find a can. It’s not that hard, and it makes you look like you have zero home training.
Do This
Stop moving through the world like you’re the only person in it.
Pay attention to your noise, your trash, and your body. It costs you zero dollars to have some spatial awareness and respect for the people around you. Don’t be the reason someone hates coming home.