2 hrs ago
European Expat’s Delhi-NCR Culture Shock Over Introductions Sparks Debate
A European worker moved to Delhi-NCR for a job.
They noticed that some people talked about their achievements soon after meeting them.
They also asked many questions about the worker’s background.
The worker said this felt unusual because people in their culture are expected to be modest.
They wondered whether they should talk themselves up to avoid being treated poorly.
Some people online said bragging is not respected in India.
Others explained that different Indian communities have different habits.
One commenter said people may hide their achievements because of the belief in the evil eye.
The discussion showed that Indian workplaces and social groups can have many different ways of communicating.
A European professional who moved to Delhi-NCR for work was surprised by how people introduce themselves.
The expat said several people quickly listed their achievements and backgrounds during first meetings.
They also felt newcomers asked probing questions to determine their place in a social or professional hierarchy.
The expat said self-promotion is considered rude in their European culture and asked whether to adopt the practice in India.
The Reddit post received more than 3,000 upvotes, with commenters offering differing views on bragging and humility.
- Who
- A European professional who recently relocated to the Delhi-NCR region for work, along with Reddit commenters.
- What
- The expat described a culture shock involving people highlighting their achievements and asking probing introductory questions.
- Where
- Delhi-NCR, India, and in an online Reddit discussion.
- When
- During the expat’s first week in the National Capital Region; the Reddit post later received more than 3,000 upvotes.
- Why
- The expat was seeking advice on whether to promote their own achievements or remain modest while adapting to Indian work culture.
Use Self-Promotion Strategically
Remain Humble and Authentic
How to introduce yourself
Use Self-Promotion Strategically
The expat wondered whether highlighting achievements could help others understand their professional standing and prevent them from being taken advantage of.
Remain Humble and Authentic
Several commenters advised the expat to follow their own ethics and said bragging is viewed negatively by some Indians.
Whether bragging reflects Indian culture
Use Self-Promotion Strategically
Some responses suggested that discussing achievements and background can be part of how people assess social or professional standing.
Remain Humble and Authentic
Other commenters said India includes humble people and communities where achievements and salaries are deliberately downplayed.
Regional and cultural variation
Use Self-Promotion Strategically
The expat’s experience suggested that self-presentation may be common in some Delhi-NCR interactions or groups.
Remain Humble and Authentic
Commenters emphasized that attitudes vary by subculture, with one citing the belief that excessive self-praise can attract the “evil eye.”
Key facts
- Person posting
- An unnamed European professional who moved to India for work
- Location
- Delhi-NCR, India
- Main surprise
- People listing their achievements and background during introductions
- Cultural contrast
- The expat said self-promotion is considered rude in their European culture
- Online response
- The post received more than 3,000 upvotes
- Commentary
- Users said Indian attitudes toward bragging differ across communities and subcultures
Quotes
Anonymous European professional
A European expat who recently moved to India’s National Capital Region for work
“My question here becomes: should I do the same and hype myself up when I meet other people so they don't treat me badly? Or should I stay in my lane and let people think whatever they want to think? If I do the latter, then will I get taken advantage of?”
NDTV
“Now, in my culture (I'm European), it is very rude to do this and you should always be humble and either let people find out about your achievements indirectly or sometimes never.”
NDTV
Sources
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