I just moved from Italy to Sydney and I am deeply bothered how everyone here behaves- am I just?
- Advertisement -
A young woman who moved to Sydney From Milan has known that her daily interactions leave her so confused and discouraged that she sometimes ends up in tears.
In a now viral Reddit Post, the Italian woman who has lived for four months, described how she feels’ people are irritated by [her]’Every time she walks through her day – and she struggles to understand why.
“I recently moved from Milan to Sydney and I find daily interactions quite frustrating,” she wrote.
‘I have a stubborn feeling that people are irritated to me, and I can’t fully indicate why. Sometimes I even cry after just doing shopping, because I don’t understand what’s going on. ‘
The woman explained that although she has traveled well and is used to city life – spent time in both Los Angeles and New York – Sydney’s social clues feel completely alien.
‘In [LA or NYC] I could easily read people’s expressions and intentions. Even if people were blunt or cold, I never took it personally. But here in Sydney I am completely lost, “she said.
She wondered if her Italian – American accent or her fashion choices – what she described as ‘too Milan’ – could scare people, but does not know to explain the disconnection.
One social custom has her in particular even more misplaced feeling: the casual “How are you today?” greeting.

A woman who moved from Milan to Sydney has known that her daily interactions are confused and discouraged her
“We don’t really have this in Italy, and in LA it felt easy and natural,” she explained.
‘But here I often get something feel like an irritated or stiff response. I never know how much warmth I have to put in my answer, or that I am doing something wrong. ‘
She also suggested that Aussies seemed ‘dissociated’ in public environments – something that many expats agreed with her.
‘I keep reading everywhere about how nice Australians are. That applies to my partner (who, however, comes from the suburbs), his family and almost everyone I meet through him, “she said.
“But then he leaves for his work, and I’m going to do my shopping, and everyone is … just like you said, dissocied.”
Despite her growing discomfort, the woman shared that after a few minutes of conversation, most people seem to ‘loosen’ something – a small spark of hope while trying to integrate into her new house, where she lives with her Australian fiancé.
The post hit a nerve, especially with expats and Australians who had lived abroad and returned home.
“I am Australian but spent more than ten years in the US – and I felt exactly the same as coming home,” a person answered.

The woman explained that although she has traveled well and is used to city life – spent time in both Los Angeles and in New York – the social signals from Sydney feel completely strange
‘Americans are conditioned for cheerfulness and extraversion. Australians can seem cold in comparison – but it is really just a cultural difference. ‘
Others have talked with practical advice: “If you enthusiastically ask strangers strangers:” How are things today? ” In Sydney, people may think that you are a fundraising of charities, “said a user.
“Try” How are you? ‘ instead of. The more casual, the better, “a second advised.
Another added: ‘When Australians say’ How are it ‘, it is really just a long version of’ Hello ‘. They don’t really ask for a full update about your life. ‘
Aussies also warned that standing out of a casual conversation with strangers in the city can sometimes be counterproductive.
‘In Sydney, people often assume that someone who tries to talk in public, wants something or is a bit loose. It’s not personal. ‘
But not everyone thought the problem was purely cultural.
“It’s probably your accent. For most Australians, an American accent is rasp, “claims a sensational.
Despite the mixed reactions, many agreed that the woman’s experience touches a deeper truth about adapting to Australian social norms, especially for those who are used to more expression cultures.
As a commentator wisely summarized: ‘Australians appreciate respectful efficiency. As soon as you realize that the purpose of most interactions is not charm, the function is – it becomes easier to adjust. ‘
- Advertisement -