Living in the United States changes you in subtle, funny, and sometimes permanent ways. You may return to India physically, but parts of America come back with you—embedded in your habits, conversations, and expectations from life. If you’ve lived in the US for a while, chances are you’ll recognize yourself in more than a few of these signs.
1. You Automatically Convert Rupees to Dollars
Someone tells you the price of a phone is ₹80,000 and your brain instantly goes, “That’s almost $1,000.” Whether it’s groceries, rent, or weddings, you now mentally calculate exchange rates before reacting. Inflation hurts more when you think in dollars.
2. You Miss Personal Space—A Lot
In India, standing shoulder to shoulder is normal. In the US, someone standing too close in a line feels like a violation. If you’ve lived there, you instinctively step back, only to realize there’s no space behind you and five people are now wondering why you’re acting awkward.
3. You’ve Developed a Love-Hate Relationship with Small Talk
“Hi, how are you?”“Good, how about you?”
You know it’s not a real question, yet you respond anyway—out of habit. Back in India, this often leads to confusion because people actually expect an answer.
4. You Respect Queues… Religiously
Lines in the US are sacred. You wait your turn, even if it takes forever. Back in India, watching people casually cut in front of you triggers silent rage—and sometimes a deep sigh followed by reluctant acceptance.
5. You Say ‘Sorry’ Way Too Much
Someone bumps into you and you still say sorry. Living in the US conditions you to apologize for everything: walking past someone, asking a question, existing. In India, people often wonder what you’re apologizing for.
6. You Expect Customer Service to Actually Help
You’ve lived in a place where complaints are taken seriously. You expect refunds, replacements, and polite responses. When you don’t get them, the disappointment hits harder than jet lag.
7. You’ve Mastered the Art of Doing Everything Yourself
Cooking, cleaning, laundry, groceries, fixing small things—you did it all. Not because you wanted to, but because help was expensive. Even when help is available again in India, part of you still feels guilty using it.
8. You Use Americanisms Without Realizing It
You say “restroom” instead of “washroom,” “gas” instead of “petrol,” and casually drop words like “awesome,” “cool,” or “super.” You might even say “trash” instead of “dustbin” and get strange looks.
9. You’re Used to Planning Everything
In the US, spontaneity needs calendars, reminders, and Google Maps. You planned weekends, meals, and even social catch-ups. Back in India, where plans change last minute, your inner planner struggles to stay calm.
10. You’ve Redefined Independence
Living alone in a foreign country teaches you self-reliance—emotionally and practically. You learn to navigate loneliness, celebrate small wins, and become comfortable with your own company. This change stays with you long after you return.
11. You Have Strong Opinions About Coffee
Instant coffee no longer counts. You’ve tasted drip coffee, cold brews, and overpriced lattes. You may complain about them—but you still miss them.
12. You Feel Like You Belong to Two Worlds
India feels like home, but the US shaped you. You miss festivals, food, and family from India—while missing structure, space, and independence from the US. You’re not confused; you’re just globally experienced.
Final Thoughts
Living in the US doesn’t make you less Indian—it just adds layers to who you are. You learn new habits, unlearn a few old ones, and carry stories that only those who’ve lived abroad truly understand. If you nodded along while reading this, congratulations—you’ve definitely lived in the US, even if your heart still beats desi 🇮🇳✨
