It’s one of life’s most intriguing puzzles:

You meet a man who seems to have it all together. He knows his wines, he can quote Hemingway, and he’s traveled to places you’ve only read about.

You’ve attempted to match wits, you’ve done your best to keep up with his worldly demeanor but something doesn’t quite add up.

Sometimes, it’s not even that obvious.

You just have this nagging feeling that he isn’t as worldly as he makes himself out to be, even though his charm, charisma or intellect suggests otherwise.

Here’s how to know for sure that this man isn’t as globally savvy as he’d like you to believe, regardless of how convincingly he presents himself.

1) He can’t adapt to different cultural contexts

Adaptability is a key indicator of worldly wisdom.

True sophistication isn’t just about knowing different cultures, but also about the ability to adapt to them.

If a man constantly sticks out like a sore thumb, refuses to try local delicacies, or is unable to respect customs distinct from his own, it’s a clear sign that he’s not as worldly as he thinks.

The ability to navigate various cultural contexts with ease and respect is the hallmark of a truly globally savvy individual.

2) He lacks empathy for others

Empathy is another key ingredient in a truly worldly man.

I’ll be honest, this one hits home for me. I once dated a guy who seemed to have it all – the charm, the intellect, the travel stories. But what he didn’t have was empathy. He couldn’t understand why people in different countries lived the way they did or why they held certain beliefs.

His inability to put himself in others’ shoes was a stark contrast to his claims of cultural fluency.

Being globally savvy isn’t just about visiting different places or knowing about different cultures. It’s also about understanding and empathizing with the people of those cultures.

3) He’s not curious about the world

Curiosity, I believe, is the bedrock of being enlightened.

I once knew a man who had been to more countries than I could count. He had passport stamps from every corner of the world, but he never seemed to show any real interest in the places he visited.

He would go to these exotic locales, but all his stories revolved around his hotel room, the airport, or the business meetings he attended. He never ventured out to explore the local markets, never tried to learn the local language, or even tasted the local cuisine.

His lack of curiosity was startling. Despite all his travels, he remained cocooned in his own little world, never truly stepping out to soak in the richness and diversity that our planet has to offer.

Worldliness isn’t just about travelling far and wide, it’s about being curious and open-minded about different cultures, traditions and lifestyles. 

4) He underestimates the importance of languages

Speaking more than one language can significantly enhance one’s understanding of the world.

Consider this: there are over 7,000 languages spoken today across the globe. Each language is a gateway into a unique culture, a different way of thinking and perceiving the world.

Yet, I’ve met men who claim to be worldly but have no interest in learning a new language. They seem content with English and see no need to expand their linguistic horizon.

However, each language we learn allows us to connect with people on a deeper level, to understand their culture and traditions more intimately.

5) He’s unable to appreciate diversity

Diversity is the spice of life. It’s what makes our world unique, vibrant, and fascinating.

I’ve encountered men who travel frequently, have a vast knowledge of different cultures but still, they seem to have a narrow perspective.

They tend to gravitate towards people, food, and experiences that mirror their own background and shun anything that deviates from their comfort zone.

Appreciating diversity isn’t just about acknowledging differences but celebrating them. It’s about embracing the unfamiliar and finding beauty in the differences that set us apart.

6) He doesn’t respect the environment

A truly globally aware man doesn’t just travel and explore the world; he also respects and cares for it.

You’d be surprised by how many men I’ve met who claim to be worldly but have little regard for the environment. They travel across continents, visit exotic places, but leave behind a trail of waste and carbon footprint.

But being worldly is also about being aware of our impact on the planet. It shows an understanding that our actions have consequences, not just for us but for future generations as well.

7) He’s not open to new experiences

Open-mindedness is a cornerstone of worldly wisdom.

However, many men who consider themselves worldly often display a surprising resistance to new experiences. They may travel across the world, interact with diverse cultures, but they remain confined within their comfort zones.

They might visit a new country but shy away from tasting the local cuisine. They might meet people from different cultures but refrain from engaging in their traditions or customs.

8) He doesn’t listen or learn from others

Perhaps the most telling sign of a truly worldly man is his ability to listen and learn from others.

I’ve met men who have a wealth of knowledge about different cultures, who have traveled extensively, and yet they lack the humility to listen and learn from others.

They’re quick to share their opinions, but slow to take in the perspectives of others.

Wrapping it up

If these behaviors sound familiar, it’s likely you have encountered a man who isn’t as worldly as he thinks.

But here’s the good news – just because someone displays these behaviors does not mean they are incapable of change or growth.

Self-awareness is the first step. Recognizing these behaviors in ourselves or others is key to understanding where improvement can be made.

This isn’t about the number of passport stamps, it’s about the depth of understanding and appreciation for the diversity and richness of our world.

It’s about empathy, respect, curiosity, and most importantly, a willingness to learn and grow.

As Marcel Proust poignantly put it, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Let us all strive to have these ‘new eyes’ as we navigate our way through this beautiful world.