7 Awkward Moments That Made Me Realize Just How American I Really Am

I Thought Living Abroad Would Be a Cultural Adventure. It Turned Into a Crash Course in My Own Identity

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I didn’t realize how American I was until I tried to order a pizza in Ukraine… and it showed up with a generous swirl of mayonnaise right on top.

Not hidden. Not optional. Just sitting there like it belonged.

I stared at it like it had personally betrayed me.

Somewhere deep inside, my stomach screamed.

But instead of adapting like a seasoned world traveler, I sat there silently offended… by a topping.

That’s when it hit me!

I wasn’t just reacting as myself, I was reacting as someone raised on ranch dressing, Starbucks customization, and the unspoken belief that pizza should come with rules.

I always thought living abroad would teach me about other cultures.

What I didn’t expect was how clearly it would expose my own.