Working out the Brits

The brits are a funny bunch to get along with. At tea break they amble to the canteen and sit down not saying anything. Occasionaly someone will make a (not so funny) remark and everyone will give it a muted laugh.(must be British Humor).
The only time when you will hear any long lasting conversation is when they are moaning about something, eg transport, wages, work collegues etc. (A word of advice, If you join in, as a Canadian you will be seen as making a direct attack on the British Nation, so its best to keep quiet)

That's why I'm a Brit moving to Canada!!

No, really, it can depend on what part of the UK you live in. Northerners are usually more friendly and chatty than those down South. But, yes, many Brits are reluctant to hold a conversation outside of their little group of friends. However, when they do say something like "wow that's amazing" they really mean it!!

I've been here for 3 years and I still can't stand their humour. First of all, making fun of people is not funny, and I still don't enjoy it and don't think I ever will no matter how long I stay.

They do nothing but moan and complain about things too! Seriously people, what's wrong with just smiling and laughing (not only when people are being made fun of)!

Maybe that's what a constant grey sky does to a group of people. Are you still in Swindon?

It's because of urbanisation. When you live in close proximity to each other it means you learn to stay quiet, otherwise if you said hello to everyone you'd never get anywhere. Jasper Carrot said it best about his trip to Hong Kong:

"To begin with, you're going, oh, excuse me, oh, sorry, pardon and after ten minutes of that you're going: GET OUT THE BLOODY WAY!"

And people whinge because it's a way of coping with the stress, if you live in close quarters you are more stressed because of whatever it is, so complaining is a way of letting off steam.

People are a bit more Canadian-like in rural areas. I noticed it, because I saw how people changed over a long period of time, as the area where I lived went from being rural to suburban and then urban.

The British are the world's most opinionated people on subjects they know bugger all about.

I agree, Steve. I think depends on who you surround yourself with too. Choosing friends who are like-minded in some ways could be a huge help.
Allyssa

Ahhh, I see we have a case of 'small town mentality'.
You're more than welcome to visit Bermuda (& compare with) an overseas territory consisting of 21 square miles and 66,000 people.

The term 'catty' should be part of the local motto.

Cheers,
W.

I say this as someone who is half British and have lived here for many years-I will NEVER understand the British! One thing is a lot of them moan-not complain but moan and there is a difference. Complaining can achieve change moaning does not.
I like their humor in terms of old TV shows but show me 1 major British sitcom that did not feature a man wearing a dress? Sure it can get a laugh.the first time.

I find the north to generally have friendly people-ditto with the midlands. Thing is-the British are not rude they're just.British. Once you stop trying to understand their eccentricities you'll get along a lot better.

but show me 1 major British sitcom that did not feature a man wearing a dress? Sure it can get a laugh.the first time.

The MIGHTY BOOSH!


But yeah, I kinda quit on the brits when it comes to making friends.

Complaining can achieve change moaning does not.

Complaining doesn't achieve change in the UK, that's the reason why people just moan. The place just keeps on getting more and more crowded and everything keeps on getting more and more expensive and it doesn't matter how clever or articulate your complaints are.

Big reason why I left.

I think the key to enjoying your time here is to stop trying to work the Brits out and just accept its impossible. Once you just kinda go with it,its easier Britain is easier to deal with.