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Five cultural differences I experienced while living Southeast Asia
Spending six months in Southeast was a wonderful experience, offering a deep dive into the unique cultures of Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Each country presented its own customs and traditions, revealing how cultural values shape everyday life. In this blog, I’ll share five cultural differences I encountered during my stay, each providing a fresh perspective on life in the region.
- Public display of affection: A private matter
One of the first things I noticed in Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines is that public displays of affection (PDA), such as kissing or hugging, are not as common as they are in the West. While it’s normal in many Western countries to see couples holding hands, kissing, or showing affection in public, this behavior is generally considered inappropriate in Southeast Asia. In these cultures, affection is something to be expressed in private, out of respect for others and societal norms.
Curious about this, I asked some of my female Filipino colleagues why PDA was so frowned upon. They explained that in their culture, a woman who openly shows affection in public might be viewed as “slut,” or promiscuous. This explanation surprised me, and I openly expressed my confusion, which was met with laughter. It was clear that I hadn’t fully grasped the…
