If you are from or visited The United States you have probably heard the phrase, “Time is money” whether it be in person or from film. The phrase seems to be a motto of sorts for The U.S. and that’s because there’s a sense of urgency and how we can’t let a single moment pass by without trying to seize it or even being updated on the latest trends. Even more so, people are always used to have a never-ending news feed being updated throughout the day which feeds more into the fast paced lifestyle. For example, people are more likely to get irritated by something taking too long to load or finish in The United States because people are used to having everything be ready at their fingertips. The United States even has same day delivery services, film and television subscription services that you can bring with you anywhere, and fast-food restaurants which are a staple of the The United States. In simple terms, the value of time is much more strict in The U.S. than it is in Europe.
People are used to having everything within reach in The United States that kind of leaves the question of what’s next and how is something going to top what just happened. Also, trends and fads seems to pass by so fast because of the culture that we are living in The U.S. Being somebody who has been born and raised in The United States, it’s sort of bizarre to talk to a person who isn’t caught up with the latest news or politics. However, one thing I do admire about other countries specifically Italy is that they work to live, not live to work. From what I have read about European countries is that are more into relaxing and taking their time with things rather than rushing through things. I mean a lot of restaurants and stores in Italy close during low foot traffic hours so they can have time to themselves and recuperate for when they open again. I think The United States can take a few tips from different countries when it comes to relaxing and not rushing through things. Not to be cliché, but sometimes it’s about the journey and not the destination so maybe people should take their time doing one thing and not worry about what’s happening next. I believe if somebody from another country visited The U.S. particularly from a country where they enjoy the down time. I believe they would be shocked to see how people are in a rush and how they just are so quick to move onto different things.
The fast paced environment that encapsulates the culture of The U.S. doesn’t seem to spread over to different countries. Which is a relief and it opens the door to figuring out whether or not you benefit, mentally or physically, from a being in a fast-paced environment. Sometimes it’s best to be in a culture where they enjoy life to refocus on yourself and see how you can better yourself, hence why people like to travel out of the country for vacations. I am excited see how I react in person to these cultural differences because no amount of reading and preparation can ready you for the real thing. Hopefully I will take to some of the aspects of Italian Culture that I will bring home and make part of my routine.