How sociable are british people?

Question

Im going to london for the first time to stay with someone I dont even know (I think hes like 27 or something) Im a pretty shy kid from america and want to know what brits like and dont like about americans and what they're like and...like....i dont know just help me out :)

Answer 1

Be polite, respect the persons private space and say thank you a lot.

If this person is kind enough to let you stay with him, he's obviously a nice person, so treat him well and I'm sure you're be fine!

We (English) are the same as you, or anyone else! :-)

Answer 2

Honest answer:

British people are very sociable to each other - they just don't like foreigners very much. Reactions against Americans can range from a disdainful coolness towards you on the one hand and physical violence on the other if certain types of people take exception to you.

I'd be very careful if I were you.

Answer 3

If you want to get on with Brits don't go around laughing at everything saying how small and 'quaint' it is.  We know we live on a small and crowded island - we don't need loud brash Americans to patronise us and keep telling us how much bigger and better everything is in America.  As you would probably say "it gets old".  You probably won't do this anyway as you say you are shy, so you should fit right in, lol.  (Not saying all or even most Americans do that, maybe none of them nowadays, but we have long memories).  Remember that you will be in a foreign country and there are going to be cultural differences - respect those differences and you will be fine.

Most Americans are very polite which we appreciate and are learning to emulate - some of our shop assistants nowadays even tell us to "Have a nice day" - horrors! lol.

We don't have Walmart here (though we do have Asda which is owned by Walmart).  You will find Macdonalds and Starbucks everywhere if you want a taste of home.  You will also find that all the best American shows are on British TV, but try watching some of ours, particularly comedies, if you want to understand us better.

Remember to order chips when you want french fries.  What you call chips, we call crisps.  Oh, and don't order a Waldorf salad! (joke - you will need to watch a re-run of the classic British comedy, Fawlty Towers, episode 9, to get it).

The weather is very changeable here - blazing hot sunshine one day, then cold and windy, or pouring with rain, the next.  Sometimes it seems like we go through all the seasons in the course of a single day, so you need to be prepared for all eventualities clotheswise.  I have gone out in summer clothes on a lovely sunny day, and been pelted with hailstones in the afternoon - quite painful on bare arms (that is an extreme example, but you get the idea).  You will soon understand why the weather is such an interesting topic of conversation here, lol.  On the other hand, you may be lucky enough to get good weather for your entire stay.

Welcome to London and have a great time!

Answer 4

Generaly in the countryside - where i live - very polite and kind and helpful

- in london - it depends where you are - tourists in london are generaly very nice as are all people working in tourist areas a businesses

Stay away from rough areas as people can be nasty there

Posh and weathly areas in london are generaly fine

Just say in well known touristy areas of London and you'l be fine

As for why the UK doesnt like america- 2 words - George Bush

Most people hate hime for good reason

Also they dont like the fat people of the USA, its nuclear wepons, and 4X4 cars

The Uk is trying to be green where the US is hiden behind a big cloud of Smog - things along those lines

Its not that the british people hate the american people - they hate the way that the courty it self is and is run

They wont hold these grudges against you as an individual (unless you are horibly obese) so dont worry