A recent Reddit post from a returnee in the US discussing everyday rudeness in India has gained significant attention, igniting a wave of emotional responses among readers. The post, titled “The general rudeness in India gets on my nerves,” was created by an individual who moved back to India after spending over a decade in the United States.
Having settled in the National Capital Region (NCR) three months ago, the user described their difficulties in readjusting to Indian life, particularly concerning what they referred to as a “deeply ingrained” culture of unprofessionalism and impolite behaviour.
In their account, they referenced experiences at a well-known clinic in Delhi and an Aadhaar enrollment centre, noting that manners were only observed after managerial intervention. Even a request from a neighbour regarding a security camera seemed to be interpreted as “aggressive,” raising what the user identified as a widespread issue concerning tone and attitude.
The user remarked that they grew up in smaller cities across India, where people tended to be more courteous and welcoming. They suggested that perhaps their time in the US had softened them, or that it simply highlighted that basic politeness should not be a luxury.
Despite continuing to practise habits acquired in the US, such as saying “thank you” or “hi,” the user revealed that these gestures often received blank stares, forcing them to adapt and develop a “thicker skin.”
This post resonated with many online, receiving hundreds of replies from both Indians and members of the diaspora.
One commenter expressed a similar realisation, stating, “For all my life, I didn’t grasp what people meant when they said Indians lack civic sense. However, after a year in the US, I noticed the stark contrast — especially during flights back home, where fellow passengers became pushy, skipped lines, and intervened unnecessarily.”
Another contributor attributed the issue to broader socio-economic conditions, explaining, “Life isn’t easy for most Indians — low wages, extended hours, and familial pressures influence how people engage. If we are fortunate enough to enjoy a peaceful life, all we can do is strive to spread that positive energy.”
Others reflected on the behavioural changes necessary to navigate life in India. “During my two-month visit, I discovered that unless one is assertive — or even rude — others take advantage. It’s a harsh truth. I couldn’t manage in a society where I had to fight for basic services daily,” one individual shared.
While the post sheds light on the dissonance many encounter upon returning to India, it also opens up a broader discussion about empathy, civic duties, and the emotional toll of urban living in various metropolitan areas of the country.
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