EPISODE 3. LIFE STYLE HABITS

When I first started living with my husband, I was amazed at how even the smallest lifestyle habits could be so different. These differences may vary by region and individual, but family traditions tend to be passed down through generations. In Italy, I’ve noticed that mothers often pay close attention to these small daily routines and actively teach them to their children.

My husband and I are not young; his older brother is ten years older than him, which means my mother-in-law belongs to an even earlier generation. Parenting styles have evolved, and Italian or Korean mothers today approach parenting differently than in the past.

Of course, cultural differences cannot be ignored. I grew up in a completely different natural and social environment, learning habits from my parents that were unfamiliar to my husband. Living in Italy, I’ve come to realize newly that European traditions and history shape many aspects of modern life around the world. For someone from a Western background, it might be surprising to discover that even the most basic habits—things they never consciously thought about—can feel foreign to others.

This may be because such knowledge is not systematically taught in schools but rather absorbed unconsciously through daily life and family traditions. How do you fold clothes, clean your nose, or organize your blankets? For me, folding clothing like hanbok is second nature. My husband takes care of arranging the blankets, and when it comes to cleaning my nose, my fingers are still the most effective tool.

These seemingly small habits are actually deeply ingrained cultural markers, shaping our perception of the world in ways we often don’t realize. They remind me that even in a world where cultures increasingly blend, the details of our daily lives still hold the imprint of where we come from.