> I live in a country where manual transmission is the default.
Basically, the world except USA/Canada.
I learnt and drove manual for my first 8 or 9 years, then switched to auto, in the beginning it’s quite strange I agree. Then, yes, manufacturer added paddle on the steering wheel or a +/- shifter. I have one and my latest car, never used it, it’s always on “D”, and as it’s an hybrid I’m not sure playing with fake gears will help saving gas.