21 Things Every Brit Living In America Can Relate To
America is famous for housing many people of different nationalities and home countries. Whether it may be for healthcare or marriage, or a better standard of living, there are many reasons why people choose the United States as a place to immigrate.
Like America, the United Kingdom is a hotbed for emigrants. Despite this, Brits can't seem to get enough of America.
You will find thousands of Brits living in America. It seems the love is mutual as Brits are also pretty popular with Americans.
It does help that many things are similar between the United States and the United Kingdom. Things like their shared language and similar economies facilitate an easy shift for British emigrants.
Despite these similarities, there are many differences as well. For one, some Brits will be jarred by the American tipping culture, the lack of universal healthcare, or even suffer a migraine just listening to an American refer to football as "Soccer."
One thing that really frustrates Brits is the constant awkward questions they have to answer or the hilarious perspectives Americans have about them.
For instance, as a Brit, you've probably been asked if you've met the Queen, you've likely heard someone trying to imitate your accent, or most Americans you meet always assume you're a football fan. Yup, not all Brits love socc…I mean, football.
It can be tough trying to explain yourself all the time, but what the heck; that's the beauty of diversity.
Here's a list of 24 things that have probably happened to every Brit living in America.
1. You believe your accent will help you snag a date
2. Actually, it can
A lot of Americans seem to find the British accent attractive.
3. Strangers try to mimic the way you talk
Their version is always so bad and hilarious.
4. Someone has probably guessed you're from Australia.
"Hey, you're Australian, right?"
5. Just moments after meeting you, you're already being quizzed about Brexit.
Just moments after meeting you, you're already being quizzed about Brexit.
6. People ask if you've ever met the Queen
"She's the queen, not the bartender at the local pub."
7. People assume you're a big "soccer" fan
8. You have to explain that your school is not like Hogwarts
9. This scene from Waterloo Road is probably a more accurate description
10. They either think you are part of London's high and mighty...
11. ...or you're a peasant from the slums. There's no in-between
12. You can't sit down to a cup of tea without someone telling you how British you are
13. Americans are no match for you in a drinking competition
14. People expect you to be accustomed to rainfall
15. You find it difficult to relate with Americans who are touchy...
"Get your hands off me, Mister!"
16. ...and you can't stand store employees who are way too friendly
"Tone it down a bit, would you?"
17. You don't understand American television...
18. ...neither do you understand their commercials
19. The biggest culture shock of all: purchase tax
20. You've thought to yourself, "Do I really need to tip all the time?"
The tipping culture in America doesn't go down well with Brits.
21. You crave British sarcasm so badly.
Americans just don't do it the way Brits do.
If you are a Brit living in America, you've certainly experienced some of these things at one point or the other.
While the Brits may love America wholeheartedly, there is no denying that there is no place like home. Don't you agree?
To all our British readers, which one of these experiences can you relate to? And if you're American, have you been guilty of asking your British friends some awkward questions?
We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
