Why are the English much more socially awkward than the Americans or Australians?

Question

dont waste our time trying to deny it, or talk about 'generalisations' , please

Answer 1

My dear boy, scurrilous, how dare you, what's wrong with General Isation, the best commander I ever had.

And dammit man, stand straight when I answer you, no not awkward, just more polite, quieter maybe, we just like to be introduced in the proper manner to those we don't know..manners boy, manners! :)

Answer 2

ok, state your source of information and I will work with you. perhaps a scholarly journal or two supporting your assertion

Answer 3

THE AUSSIES AREN'T SOCIALLY AWKWARD THEY ARE HAWT!!!  HAAAAAWWWWWTTTTT!!!!!

Answer 4

Hmm. I think someone's being getting too many of their opinions from watching movies. I bet you even had Hugh Grant's face in your mind when you wrote your question.

Manners and politeness to not equate to awkwardness, my friend. Americans and Australians love to regard themselves as laid-back and easy-going. In reality, what many tend to do is simply talk about themselves and their countries. Both nations are told by their respective medias that they are the best in the world, and consequently believe that people of other nationalities hold that opinion too. One of the symptoms of holding this belief is that they don't notice people rolling their eyes or quietly departing their company, as they continue their insular monolgue. To generalise again, the English are much more accurately aware of their place in the world, more able to empathise, better mannered, more aware of the world outside their own country and more inclined to listen to the viewpoints of others than Americans or Australians. If that means you find us socially awkward... so be it.

Answer 5

Really.  Are we?

Answer 6

Well times are changing, but we are often brought up with ridid ideas on anything from table manners to not telling tales, to marching into the bullets for your country.  Being loud, full of yourself or overly self-introspective/concerned with your own sense of self is considered undesirable.  Therefore alcohol is often the lubricant needed to overcome a fear of disapproval.  

I am generalising as we have an increasing yob culture with women drinking like men. We idolise egos like Simon Cowell and care less about others and the gap between English, and Americans etc. unfortunately lessens.

Answer 7

Whatever. At least we're not always shouting our mouths off about c**p.

Answer 8

We aren't socially awkward. It's the Americans and Aussies who lack social skills. That's why they're branded as 'brash' and 'loud', respectively.

Answer 9

That's your opinion only.

Answer 10

They aren't socially awkward. They have been brought up with much better manners.

Answer 11

They aren't - they are less brash and more polite

Answer 12

Depends where you go and who you know, I think. The English upper classes can come across socially akward, (I can totally see what you're saying!) a bit like Prince Charles with his dithering, mumbling voice.

But if you go to London, the cockneys/Londoners will talk to anyone. Great place is England!

Answer 13

Well, generally speaking, this assertion is not found in 'actualite'. You are confusing the brash, offensive familiarity and naivete of the New World and the Antipodes with the centuries old customs and forms of address practised in European society. Within this framework, the cognoscenti enjoy perfectly harmonious, social intercourse.