If you're American, just try describing to Literally Anyone Else how basic things work in your life, and wait for the gasps and outbursts of horrified rage.

*literally anyone else from a handful of wealthy countries, mostly in Europe, plus in some aspects an additional handful of middle income countries.

Schools with 10- 50 BILLION dollar endowments that charge many tens of thousands of dollars in tuition and good luck getting in unless you're rich or a legacy, preferably both.

An Irish friend asked me to explain American student loans while we were drinking. I did my best, and his summation was "But that's still socialism! It's just inefficient, expensive socialism!"

Why? Do people in other countries get paid sick leave

Two of my closest friends are American and Can Confirm. I'm so glad both of them live in Europe right now. We're not perfect but we could be a lot worse

American: Wait, is it only like that here … The rest of the world in chorus: YES!

You: here is how that job ended. This is perfectly normal, and I consider it a good outcome. Your audience: what the FUCK

No thanks, it’s too depressing

IIRC the "bill" for my grandfather's end-of-life hospital stay, about a week, was WELL in to the six figures Like, luckily for him the insurance and Medicare he covered paid for it all but if he wasn't eligible for any of that? Guess who pays? HIS 93 YEAR OLD WIDOW BAYBEEEEEE USA USA USA

My US colleagues patchworking accrued sick time + short term disability + unpaid FLMA for maternity leave. My international colleagues: WTF