While we were driving around today it occurred to me that there was a habit I learned in Japan that I didn’t notice until now. Instead of pointing towards something with my finger I use my whole hand in a more gentle gesture.
I was pointing at something out the window and gestured with my hand, it hit me and I smiled.
A habit I’m super happy to have picked up, hope it sticks with me.
Life Notes 
That’s definitely a good habit to adopt! After I’d been living in Japan for a while I realised I was sometimes bowing my head (quite a bit more than a nod) when I was greeting or thanking fellow Westerners. I know that’s normal when you’re communicating with Japanese people but it’s not something people normally do when they speak to non-Japanese people.
I still tend to bow too and often still say dozo and arigatou to Italians now. Haha
Yes, it is so much nicer than pointing!