1. Smiling at Strangers for No Reason If you’ve ever walked down an American street and flashed a big smile at someone you didn’t know, you probably thought nothing of it. It’s second nature here—like saying “hi” with your face. […]
1. Doodle During Conversations It might sound silly, but doodling while you’re on the phone or sitting in a meeting can actually help your brain stay engaged. It keeps your mind from wandering too far, and studies have shown it
1. Video Store Clerk Just 10 years ago, you could still wander into a Blockbuster or a neighborhood video store, chat with the clerk about the best new releases, and leave with a stack of DVDs. Video store clerks were
1. Sewing and Mending Clothes Back in the ’60s, just about everyone knew how to sew a button or hem a pair of pants. It wasn’t just a hobby for a few crafty folks either — it was something people
1. Tipping in Japan If you’re used to tipping generously after a good meal, you might want to keep your wallet tucked away in Japan. Here, tipping is actually considered rude, almost like saying the staff needs extra encouragement to
1. Shoes Come Off at the Door One of the first things you’ll notice when you visit Japan is the ritual of removing your shoes before entering a home, and even some businesses. There’s usually a little step or platform
1. Make Do and Mend During the Great Depression, if something ripped or tore, folks didn’t toss it out — they fixed it. Sewing kits were a household essential, and learning a few basic stitches meant clothes, linens, and even
