After spending six years in the United States, a Cuban woman humorously revealed that she still can't shake off a habit deeply ingrained due to the shortages experienced on the island: taking toilet paper every time she visits a bathroom.
The TikTok user @nayelisbouzariver posted a video filled with humor and nostalgia, disclosing that each time she steps into a restroom in the U.S., she feels the urge to grab the toilet paper, just as she did in Cuba. "When, at what time, in which year does this stop? I can't get over it," she laughs in the video, which has garnered thousands of views and comments.
"Question for Cubans! Who else is like me? I can't see toilet paper," the young woman wrote alongside the video, sparking a wave of responses from other emigrants who identified with her experience.
The post has sparked a lively exchange of anecdotes, with Cubans from various parts of the world sharing their own habits that, although they might seem odd outside of Cuba, are part of the emotional baggage many carry after emigrating. "It never stops, it happens to me with ashtrays haha," "These are the remnants of communism that never go away," and "I confess I've taken them too haha," commented a few Cuban women on the video.
The chronic shortage of basic products on the island, including toilet paper, shaped the daily routine of many Cubans for years. They developed strategies to cope with the scarcity, such as always carrying napkins or rolls of paper in their bags.
Although Nayelis has been in America for several years now, her video highlights that some habits take much longer to fade, and humor serves as a powerful tool to heal, share, and connect with others who have faced similar experiences.
Exploring Cultural Habits and Humor
Why does Nayelis still feel the urge to take toilet paper in the U.S.?
Nayelis's urge to take toilet paper stems from the severe shortages experienced in Cuba, where people often had to carry essentials like toilet paper due to its scarcity.
How have other Cubans reacted to Nayelis's video?
Other Cubans have shared similar stories and experiences, finding humor and camaraderie in the shared habits that persist long after emigrating from Cuba.
What role does humor play in Nayelis's video?
Humor in Nayelis's video serves as a means to process and share her experience, creating a sense of community among those who have lived through similar situations.