People around here speak many languages, and often use these languages in public all the time. Doesn't normally bother me when I'm not actually interacting with them. I'm not one of those who thinks it's rude to talk another language in front of a non-speaker. It's not like I check around every time I say something to make sure everyone understands English.

But when I have to talk to someone, it's different. Many speak English poorly or with a heavy accent, which is a pain in the butt at places like drive-thrus. I don't like asking them to repeat things over and over again, because it seems insulting at some point, kind of like when you talk loud to a non-English speaker.

My wife was at a rehab facility for a while after her back surgery, and few of the employees were American-born, hailing from all kinds of places. They were all competent and helpful, and all spoke English fairly well, but the difficulties in communication were just enough that when I worked with someone who spoke fluent English it was like some constant heavy pressure had been released.

I keep telling myself that they are all doing a hell of a lot better than I would be doing if someone dropped me into their country, but it is fatiguing in everyday life.