That's exactly what it is. I actually find the "I'm a special American that hates other Americans so the British will love me" attitude to be the most condescending at all. And when I lived in France in college, I was the only one in our group that truly became good friends with a bunch of French people. They liked me because I always defended America and I didn't do the "Oh, I know, America is so awful" routine (which is actually fairly smug and superior). They said I "wasn't like most Americans" and I think that's because so many Americans who live abroad try to suck up to the locals by bashing their home country and it's pathetic and irritating and funnily does the exact opposite of what they're so desperate for. |
British expat living here and I'm amazed that OP said she feels every interaction in the UK is based around money. What do you mean? I'm particularly surprised because that's one of the things I feel here, especially with the tipping culture, that a tip is expected for every single thing here whereas it is only expected in the UK in restaurants (and not 20% either) and maybe to the person who washes your hair at the hairdresser. And of course when you go to the doctor/hospital you are just treated and there are no questions about who you are and your insurance.
Also to the OP, the advice here about getting out and meeting people through classes,etc is good, and also to living like the British as far as you can. That is something I'm working on here, and sometimes it's quite challenging for me but generally I'm loving the experience here. |
More like The Ugly Brit. I concur with OP's assessment and experiences. Lived there for five years. There were some highlights, but mostly, just rude people. |
Granted I lived there over 10 years ago...but I don't find the English rude at all. I have some amazing friends still from my time there. Maybe it helped that my grandparents were English? I mean they aren't smiley and open, they have a certain reserve, but that never came across as rude to me. It's just a cultural difference. |
What about the Brits living in the U.S. who complain non-stop about Americans? Perhaps they should take your advice. |
DP, but the point is obvious. The Brits would actually call you that *to your face* and think nothing of it. |
+100 |
+1 I'm a DC native, and the people others complain about here are more often than not, transplants. The people who have lived here for generations are not like that. |
The people who do this are called "LIBERALS." According to them, everyone has a box to check. It's never just a group of people to them. You're either white, black (excuse me, AA), Hispanic, or another POC. They love to group people accordingly. |
There are very few DC natives. Perhaps more natives from northern Virginia or other burbs, but not dc. |
+1,000,000 I will *always* defend America, while still acknowledging our faults. I'd rather live in this country than anywhere else in the world - and I've lived all over Europe and much of Asia. I agree that those from other countries have far more respect for an American who defends his or her country than for the sycophants trying to ingratiate themselves into a foreign culture. |
Wait you aren't married (and have been waiting around for a ring for 5 years) and you also don't have a job, or kids? You make bad life choices. Get it together girl |
What? On every level What? |
It is very rude in most cultures to not apologize profusely for causing an accident. I was shocked after my first accident in the US when the driver at fault didn't apologize, just nonchalantly asked to exchange insurance information. |