Culture shock: 12 Ukrainian habits that leave Americans stunned

Ukraine's centuries-old history and distinct customs have shaped a number of everyday practices that are likely to surprise any American. From communication styles to the tradition of lavish feasts and reusing disposable items multiple times.

Lack of small talk

For Americans, small talk is the foundation of any interaction. Casual conversations about the weather, traffic, or the weekend are a way to break the ice, even when asking a neighbor to borrow a ladder.

Ukrainians, however, often get straight to the point, which may seem abrupt or even rude to Americans. They are used to conversations having a logical start and purpose, not just idle chitchat.

Feasts and tables groaning with food

If an American invites you to dinner, the menu is likely to include one or two modest-sized dishes.

On the other hand, a Ukrainian feast is a true banquet, with the table literally bending under the weight of dishes: salads, meats, fish, appetizers, pickles, and pastry.

There is always the sense that there is more food than anyone could possibly eat, and this is considered a normal sign of hospitality.

Desire to feed everyone

For Ukrainians, inviting someone to eat is the ultimate expression of care and hospitality. Even if you've just eaten, you'll still be offered food, and refusing it may be taken as an insult.

Americans, who often focus on individual needs and follow specific diets, may find this insistence confusing.

Nobody comes without invitation

In American culture, visiting someone's home usually requires a prior phone call or arrangement.

In Ukraine, especially in rural areas or among older generations, unannounced visits from relatives or friends are normal. For an American, this can feel like an invasion of personal space.

Strong alcohol and toasts: drinking culture

Ukrainian gatherings often involve strong alcohol, especially vodka, accompanied by lengthy and meaningful toasts.

Toasts can be long, philosophical, and deeply symbolic. Americans, by contrast, are more accustomed to moderate alcohol consumption and shorter, more casual toasts.

Expressing emotions openly and directly

Ukrainians are generally more open in expressing their positive and negative emotions.

Joy, sadness, and indignation can be shown quite openly. Americans often try to keep their emotions in check in public, considering it a sign of good manners.

Smiles are rare

In the US, smiling is a form of politeness, even if you're not in a good mood. Ukrainians believe a smile should be genuine, not automatic. To Americans, this can come off as gloomy or unfriendly.

Direct gaze and eye contact

Ukrainians often maintain direct and prolonged eye contact, which is seen as a sign of sincerity.

Such intense eye contact may be uncomfortable or even perceived as aggressive or confrontational for Americans.

Changing shoes at someone's home

When you visit a Ukrainian home, you will almost always be asked to take off your shoes and put on house slippers. It's a rule of hygiene and respect for cleanliness in the home. This can be an unexpected demand for Americans, especially those unaccustomed to removing shoes indoors.

Senior ladies on benches

The image of senior ladies sitting on benches near apartment buildings, discussing neighborhood news, is a staple of Ukrainian life.

They often know everything about everyone and aren't shy about discussing it. For privacy-valuing Americans, this may seem odd or even unsettling.

Visiting cemeteries on specific days

Americans may find it difficult to understand Ukrainian traditions related to commemorating the dead and visiting cemeteries, such as the parental Saturdays. In the US, death is treated more privately, and people visit graves whenever they feel the need.

Reusable plastic bags

For a long time, Ukrainians widely reused plastic bags, not so much for environmental reasons as for savings and practicality. Even now, almost every Ukrainian home has a "bag with bags" and a stash of disposable containers.

This habit, now becoming a global trend, used to surprise Americans, who were more used to using countless single-use bags.

You may be interested in:

• Which traditional Ukrainian products are impossible to find in the USA
• Why vegetables aren't grown near homes in Finland
• 10 strange Ukrainian superstitions that drive foreigners crazy

Sources: Reddit, Quora, Expat Exchange, blogs of Americans who lived in Ukraine.