reverse culture shock in email

Email jokes reveal expected reverse culture shock

So in our pre-departure briefings we are warned that the day we return to Australia there will be reverse culture shock. I diligently spoke of this to family and friends and then not given it much thought since.

Recently received a well written email joke passed on by a wonderful person. It is copied below, called ‘Natural Highs’. Its all about the things that are special in life ranging from falling in love to things like hot baths.

As I read it, I was reminded of reverse culture shock.

Why?

The email could have been either incredibly depressing if in a pessimistic mood or annoying as it reminded of western excesses or confusing to think I had forgotten such stuff!!!

The majority of items mentioning treats are things I ain't had most of these things for 18 months and won't have them for ages. Plus I know that the locals around me will never have these things. Like hot chocolate for example.

hehehehe but i am not pessimistic.

I choose to be here and reading such lists reminded me that I am genuinely happy to forgo these items. And the list of free stuff like laughing lots and sunrises are all available here. Thank goodness.

Read the list and try to imagine how daunting it might be for me and others like me in developing nations, to try to return to the western world.

I admitted to the person who sent it to me, the only thing I probably really do miss is a bubble bath


At 01:04 PM 11/13/2006, you wrote:


Natural Highs

1. Falling in love.



2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.



3. A hot shower.



4. No lines at the supermarket



5. A special glance.



6. Getting mail



7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.



8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.



9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.



10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.



11. Chocolate milkshake.. (or vanilla or strawberry!)



12. A bubble bath.



13. Giggling.



14 A good conversation.



15. The beach



16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.



17. Laughing at yourself.



19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.



20. Running through sprinklers.



21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.



22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.



23. Laughing at an inside joke.



24. Friends.



25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.



26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.



27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).



28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.



29. Playing with a new puppy.



30. Having someone play with your hair.



31. Sweet dreams.



32. Hot chocolate.



33. Road trips with friends.



34. Swinging on swings.



35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.



36. Making chocolate chip cookies.



37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.



38. Holding hands with someone you care about.



39. Running into an old friend and realizing
that some things (good or bad) never change..



40. Watching the __expression on someone's face
as they open a much desired present from you.



41. Watching the sunrise.



42. Getting out of bed every morning and
being grateful for another beautiful day.



43. Knowing that somebody misses you.



44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.



45. Knowing you've done the right thing,
no matter what other people think.