1. I used to think that a handshake was a universal sign of respect and professionalism.
In my culture, offering a firm handshake was something I always did without thinking. But after meeting people from different countries, I realized that in some places, it’s seen as too strong or even intimidating. It surprised me how what I used to see as polite can come across as aggressive somewhere else.

2. People used to tell me that counting was the same everywhere, and I believed it.
I had never questioned it—I just assumed everyone started with the same finger and followed the same pattern. But after seeing how people in Asia and Europe count differently, I realized I had been seeing the world through a very limited lens. Something so basic actually varies a lot depending on the culture.

3. I used to use the "come here" gesture without thinking twice, assuming it meant the same to everyone.
It wasn’t until I visited another country that I saw someone react uncomfortably when I did it. That’s when I learned that in many Asian countries, the gesture I grew up using is seen as disrespectful or rude. Now I try to be more aware of how I move my hands when I communicate with people from different backgrounds.