So, now let's get to this replay. I would say that we have two completely opposite cultures here. Where Bulgaria scores high, the US scores low. And the other way around. The two culture seem to have nothing in common :)

I wouldn't say that I find collectivism to be a bad thing. Like you, I think that this is something that is an important national trait for us. People here stay connected. Families and extended families are close. This is something that foreigners find exciting about this country. But there is a negative side as well. People interfere in each other' lives and are usually more judgmental. No one minds their own business :D

In fact, I think that individualism is something that seems to be very difficult to adapt to when it comes to Bulgarian emigrants. Most of them complain about the other culture different "closeness". You can often hear: "Friends/families there are not like friends/families here". I guess the clash between collectivism and individualism is something which makes it difficult for them to get used to it. On the other hand, you can hear the same people saying: "It's a free society. Everyone is doing what they want and no one interferes". So they dislike the same cultural trait they like at the same time. That is because everything has two sides :)

The only thing you dislike about your country's culture is what I find great about it and am a bit jealous - indulgence. If you read the construct description below the charts you will see that indulgence is connected to optimism. And I think that optimism besides individualism is something that really shaped America. To let yourself enjoy life is something that brings happiness to your life. And happy people are usually the people who do good :) At least that's what I think. Bulgarians are rather pessimistic and skeptical.

But I guess I know what you were referring here. Pop culture lately has a focus on extreme consumption and materialism. It's like Idiocracy coming to life.

And, the more I look at the charts, the more I realize that I am a good representative of my society. Like it or not. Actually, I don't like it too much :D I would rather be on the optimistic side of the world :)

My little one is up, so I got to get going :)