18 American Comforts You Might Not Realize Are Luxuries

Woman poking out of the top of a car with her hands stretched out in joy

Photo: Dirima/Depositphotos

The U.S. sometimes gets a bad rap, especially around election time. It's easy to get sucked into the news cycle that focuses on the negatives, but if you're living in America, there's still plenty to be grateful for.

In a bid to spark some positivity around U.S. privilege, Redditor u/Seraphicly329 recently asked the Internet, “What's a luxury that most Americans don't realize is a luxury?” As of writing, the simple question gained over 5,500 replies in just six days. Countless U.S. residents responded with what they believed to be a real home comfort, and some Redditors from around the world chipped in to confirm that the grass isn't always greener.

From clean running water to air conditioning, many comments pointed out that these basic necessities are not universally available. Some people also expressed their appreciation for having lots of choices and quick deliveries when it comes to online shopping. And many Redditors mentioned that grocery stores are better stocked compared to other parts of the world.

One common thread was that many people in the U.S. enjoy spacious living conditions, often with a backyard or more land. And although it's definitely not the case for everyone, it was also noted that homes in the U.S. tend to be larger compared to those in Asia and Europe. And let's not forget the advantages that come with having an American passport, like the ability to travel to most countries without a visa.

Check out some comments from the thread below and join the conversation on Reddit.

Someone on Reddit asked, “What's a luxury that most Americans don't realize is a luxury?”

What's a luxury that most Americans don't realize is a luxury?
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Here are 18 things people responded with that Americans should be grateful for.

 

Free public libraries

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Air conditioning

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Safe drinking water

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Easy waste management

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Outdoor space

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Space in general

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Stocked grocery stores

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Better online shopping

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Affordable gas

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National parks

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Large homes

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Free speech

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Democracy

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Passport privilege

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Accessibility support

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Stable currency

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Friendly customer service

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Convenient bathrooms

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h/t: [Digg]

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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