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American in the UK reveals baffling common US habit
Maxine Berry, who is known on TikTok as Yorkshire Yank, regularly shares the cultural differences she's noticed between living in England and previou…
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From Garbage Disposals to Driveway Mailboxes: American Home Habits That Leave Britons Baffled
American Expat Highlights Quirks of US Homes That Puzzle Britons London, UK – An American expatriate living in the United Kingdom has sparked a lively online discussion by detailing several features of typical American homes that she believes would baffle or even "send into a coma" the average British person. In a recent video, the creator, known as "yorkshireyank," shared her observations on common household differences, ranging from kitchen appliances to architectural layouts. The video highlights three main points of divergence: the ubiquitous garbage disposal, the placement of mailboxes at the end of driveways, and the prevalence of air conditioning and open-plan living spaces. "Garbage disposals, where's mine and how do I get one in this country?" she questioned, noting their absence in many UK homes. She also described the American practice of having mailboxes at the end of driveways, sometimes necessitating a short drive to collect mail, a stark contrast to the UK's letterbox system. "You could just come out your house and walk down your driveway and go get your mail. Why not? It might be a nice little walk for you," she remarked with a hint of playful exasperation. The expat also touched upon the widespread use of air conditioning in the US, often set to cooler temperatures than many Europeans might expect. She recounted a personal rule from her parents that the air conditioner "didn't go any lower than 72 degrees," adding that she now prefers it "really cold." The video has resonated with a broad audience, drawing numerous comments from both sides of the Atlantic. Many British viewers explained the practical reasons behind their home customs. One commenter noted, "We don't have garbage disposals because they are TERRIBLE for drains and drainage systems, especially 100+ yr old Victorian pipework. They are so bad they are banned parts of Europe." Others highlighted the common use of food waste caddies for composting. On mailboxes, a British user stated, "I don't have a driveway to put a mailbox up. My mail is posted to me directly. Through the letter box. Safe and secure." The discussion also extended to air conditioning, with one comment suggesting, "AC bad for the planet use a ton of expensive electric, garbage disposals bad for the sewers.... We like to try and take care of our planet and our infrastructure." The video, uploaded from Great Britain, has garnered significant engagement, prompting a deeper look into the subtle yet distinct cultural differences in home living between the two nations.
