Ever heard of Paris syndrome? It’s the feeling of disappointment that some tourists get when they realize the city of love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The Eiffel Tower might be there, but so is all the trash on the ground, and the scammers trying to pinch those hard-earned euros.
It’s not the only place where people suffer from a case of expectations vs. reality. The reputation of much of western Europe promises more than it delivers, especially when it comes to the UK and neighboring Ireland. There may be free healthcare and passable public transport, but it’s far from a blessed utopia.
A former Massachusetts native complained on TikTok that he had lived in these countries in an attempt to “escape American capitalism”, but found the standard of living to actually be worse. When the screenshot found its way to Twitter, people were quick to mock his lofty ideals. The tea, scones, and Guinness are never going to paper over glaring social inequalities.
