Over the last 10 years, I’ve become accustomed to life in Texas.
I’m Australian, but my wife’s Texan, so we spend two months a year living in her home state.
It’s different from Australia in so many ways, and a number of things I’m used to now initially gave me culture shock.
Here are a few things about Texas that have surprised me most.
I thought “everything’s bigger in Texas” was just a saying, but it definitely feels true.
It really does seem like everything’s bigger in Texas. The portion sizes in the state tend to feel enormous, so I’ve had to learn to eat only about half of what comes on my plate.
Many of the stores are huge, too. My first trip to Texas-based gas station Buc-ee’s blew my mind. It had clothes, barbecue, sandwiches, and aisles upon aisles of snacks. Who knew a gas station could essentially double as a shopping mall?
However, the size of the vehicles surprised me the most. “The bigger the vehicle, the better” seems to be the unofficial mantra of Texas.
On each visit, I see so many huge trucks on the roads. I was too scared to drive in Texas for several years — and now, when I borrow my mother-in-law’s small Prius, I feel very inadequate.
Cowboy boots aren’t just for ranch hands.
I’ve seen Texans wear cowboy boots both casually and at formal functions.
It took me two years and several strong suggestions from family before I caved and bought some. I’ve now got several pairs, including ones I wore at my wedding.
I still get a few puzzled looks when I wear them in Australia, though.
I thought I was used to sweltering summers, but the Texas heat is on another level.
In my hometown of Melbourne, summer temperatures rarely reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, the temperature sits at a far more comfortable level.
However, there doesn’t seem to be any relief during Texas summers, where the temperature easily pushes past 90 or 100 degrees throughout June, July, and August.
The Texas humidity is also worse than what I’m used to. After spending too long outside, I’d feel so soaked in sweat that I’d have to change my T-shirt.
The availability of guns was a real shock, especially since they’re quite restricted in Australia.
Seeing gun stores all over the state was a major shock. Texas is an open-carry state, and it amazed me to see people walk around malls and enter restaurants with guns.
Guns also seem to be a big part of the local culture. My Texan friends were surprised that not only did I not own a gun, but also I’d never even touched one before coming to Texas.
In Australia, guns are a lot more restricted, and I typically only see police officers carry them.
It seems common to choose driving over walking here, no matter how short the distance.
I’m an avid walker and try to avoid driving whenever possible.
When I’ve been in Texas, though, I’ve noticed it feels like the norm to just drive everywhere — even short distances. My in-laws would find it baffling when I’d go to the store or gym on foot, even if it was only a 10- or 15-minute walk.
Then again, I suppose the lack of public transport in some parts of the state and the blistering summer heat don’t provide much incentive to ditch the car.
I wasn’t prepared for how much Texans love their Tex-Mex food — it’s almost a way of life.
When we go out for dinner here, there is often only one option: Tex-Mex, a regional cuisine that blends flavors and techniques from Mexico and Texas.
I love Tex-Mex, but having it just a few times a month is more than enough for me.
Meanwhile, I get the sense many Texans could happily eat it every day. Our trips to Texas involve a lot of chips and salsa and breakfast burritos.
I was surprised I wasn’t able to buy liquor on a Sunday.
Texas is one of the few US states where you can’t buy liquor on a Sunday.
A few years ago, New Year’s Eve fell on a Sunday, and unaware of this law, I tried to buy supplies for a party. Unfortunately, I was unable to purchase any liquor — but at least New Year’s Day was more enjoyable without a hangover.
Texas pride feels even stronger than national pride.
I’ve been all over the US, but no group seems as proud of their state as Texans.
On each visit, I see Texas flags flying all over and many cars donning state-pride stickers. The only thing some Texans love more than their state seems to be the college they attended in the state.
I didn’t want to be left out, so I’ve since adopted the Longhorns as my college football team — hook ’em horns!
Despite these differences, many of the people I’ve met in Texas remind me of home.
Aside from the initial culture shocks, one thing that’s made my time in Texas so great has been the people.
Many Texans and Aussies share common traits: They’re friendly, hospitable, and always willing to lend a hand.
My “G’day mate” is almost always met with a “Howdy” and a big smile, only reinforcing some of the similarities between these two very different cultures.
The post I’m an Aussie who spends 2 months a year living in Texas. Here are 8 of the biggest culture shocks I’ve experienced. appeared first on Business Insider.
