I am so Western

A few days ago, I went to the hospital for a health check procedure.  As I do, I went on my own.  That is just normal for me. 

As part of procedure, staff at the hospital needed to look after my belongings, while I was being checked elsewhere in the hospital.  So along came a person from the Finance Department to take my bag into their care.  Before taking it into their safe keeping, she asked me to count any money I had on me.  I was to do so there and then, in front of her and the nurse.  I found this to be confronting and intrusive.  I thought to myself- Why don't they just have a locker for me to use?  

But then I thought, the nurse had asked me - Don't you have family with you? 

It struck me.  That's it.  Here, there is no need for any locker, as the family accompanies any patient to the hospital.  They are the security system.  Once again, it is the cultural card.  They have their system, their security.  It is their family.  I am ever so Western, just going along alone and independently.  Our western, male way serves a good purpose, but it is not always the way to go.  That is for sure.  

Life is ever full of insights and learning, when one lives outside one's own comfort zone.