Have you ever wondered how cultured you truly are? It’s not all about opera glasses and fancy cheese, you know.

Cultured, in reality, is about experiences. It’s about the places you’ve been, the people you’ve met, and the things you’ve seen along the way.

Let me tell you, if you’ve experienced these 11 things in life, then trust me, you’re a lot more cultured than you think.

Ready to find out just how cultured you are? Let’s dive in.

1) You’ve traveled to other countries

Now, when I say travel, I don’t mean a week-long vacation at a beach resort where you barely leave the hotel premises.

I’m talking about immersing yourself in a foreign country. Experiencing their cuisine, understanding their customs, and attempting to speak their language.

Traveling isn’t just about collecting passport stamps or taking Instagram-worthy pictures. It’s about broadening your perspective and understanding that there’s a whole world out there beyond what you know.

If you’ve had this kind of travel experience, then my friend, you’re more cultured than you think.

Remember though, it’s not just about the number of countries you’ve visited. It’s about the depth of the experiences you’ve had and the understanding you’ve gained from them.

2) You appreciate art

Art isn’t just limited to paintings hung in fancy museums. It’s music, it’s theatre, it’s literature, it’s film, it’s architecture. It’s any medium that speaks to the human condition and makes us feel something.

For instance, I remember the first time I stood in front of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” at the MoMA in New York. The swirls of his brush strokes, the vibrant colors, they all conveyed a sense of longing and solitude that resonated with me. I could almost feel the cool night breeze on my face and hear the rustling leaves.

So if you find yourself moved by a piece of art or deeply engrossed in a novel or film, you’re engaging with culture on a personal level. That makes you more cultured than you realize.

3) You understand and respect other customs and traditions

Cultural understanding goes beyond just knowing facts about different countries.

It’s about respecting and appreciating the customs and traditions of other cultures.

Take Japan, for example. When you receive a business card there, it’s customary to accept it with both hands and take a moment to read the card.

This shows respect to the person giving the card. Tucking it away immediately or stuffing it into your pocket is considered rude.

4) You’re curious about the world

The desire to learn more about the world and the people in it is a sure sign of a cultured person.

You don’t just accept things as they are, but you ask ‘why?’ ‘how?’ ‘what if?’

This curiosity could be anything from wanting to understand how a political system works in a foreign country to being intrigued by ancient civilizations or natural phenomena.

5) You enjoy trying new foods

Food is a universal language. It tells the story of a place, its people, and its history.

If you’re the kind of person who’s excited to try the local cuisine when you’re travelling, or if you frequently find yourself in the ethnic food aisles at your grocery store, you’re engaging with culture in a very tangible (and tasty) way.

Whether it’s slurping up pho in Vietnam, savoring tagine in Morocco or indulging in sushi in Japan, appreciating and enjoying diverse cuisines is a sure sign that you’re more cultured than you think.

6) You value diversity

One of the most beautiful aspects of our world is its diversity. Different people, different beliefs, different cultures – all coming together to create a colorful tapestry of humanity.

If you’re someone who cherishes this diversity, then you’re more cultured than you realize. This translates into respecting all individuals regardless of their race, religion, or background.

Understanding that our differences make us unique and recognizing the beauty in that – that’s being cultured.

It’s about embracing diversity with open arms and an open heart, because at the end of the day, we all share the same human experience.

7) You find beauty in the simple things

Being cultured isn’t only about grand experiences or profound knowledge. Sometimes, it’s about appreciating the simpler things in life.

I recall a moment when I was sitting in a small café in Italy, sipping on my espresso and watching as locals chatted animatedly, children played, and life just happened.

It wasn’t a grandiose monument or a famous painting, but the beauty of that moment still lingers with me.

8) You’re open-minded

Open-mindedness is a key trait of a cultured individual. It’s about being receptive to new ideas, different perspectives, and varied experiences.

If you’re someone who doesn’t shy away from engaging in conversations that challenge your viewpoints or if you’re willing to try things that take you out of your comfort zone, then you’re more cultured than you might think.

Being open-minded allows us to learn and grow, to understand others better, and to truly appreciate the rich tapestry of human culture.

9) You understand the value of languages

Languages, aren’t they fascinating?

Each language is a gateway to a different culture, offering unique insights into how different societies perceive the world.

In fact, there are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today, each rich with its own history, idioms and expressions that reflect cultural nuances.

You don’t need to be a polyglot, but if you’ve taken the time to learn a new language – even just the basics – it shows an interest in understanding others on a deeper level.

10) You’ve confronted your own biases

This one’s a little tough to admit, but it’s important.

Like many others, I’ve had moments where I’ve had to confront my own biases and prejudices. It was uncomfortable and challenging, but necessary.

Recognizing and confronting our biases is a crucial part of being cultured. It’s about acknowledging that we all have blind spots and actively working to understand and overcome them.

It’s not an easy process, but it’s a sign of personal growth and cultural awareness.

11) You practice empathy

Above all, being cultured means being empathetic. It’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

Empathy allows us to connect with people on a deeper level, regardless of their background or experiences.

It’s the ability to see the world from another person’s perspective, to walk a mile in their shoes.

Embracing your cultured self

Take a moment. Reflect on your journey so far.

Chances are, you’ve been more cultured than you’ve given yourself credit for. And that’s something to celebrate!

Cultured isn’t a label that’s bestowed upon you by others. It’s a mindset, a lifestyle, a quest for continuous learning and growth.

Remember, each of these experiences – whether it’s engaging with diverse perspectives, appreciating the arts, or confronting your own biases – have shaped you into the person you are today.

So honor them. Cherish them. And most importantly, continue on your path of curiosity and openness.

Every conversation, every book read, every new experience is an opportunity for growth. Keep embracing them.

After all, being cultured is not about reaching a certain benchmark. It’s about the journey and the richness it brings to your life.

So here’s to your journey – unique, diverse and endlessly enriching. Here’s to the beautifully cultured person you already are!