Originally Posted by gruffbrown

Fig and I have one thing in common.... we both talk complete bollocks

Originally Posted by AmerLisa

Awww Gruff, no you don't, yours is utter nonsense.

Stop, don't even go there.....I know what you're thinking, no rebuttal is needed!

Originally Posted by Ozzidoc

135 (ish) posts on day of joining????

Originally Posted by gruffbrown

Fig and I have one thing in common.... we both talk complete bollocks

Originally Posted by Britdrinker

The hallmark of a troll. Bet you never hear from it again.

Originally Posted by Fig Newton

It is likely that this thread will not last for too long as at least one person that has the power to censor threads that they don't like will likely have their way again. See the thread, and specifically the last post, "Things that disturb you about the US" to see what I mean.

My first piece of advice would have to be to avoid threads such as those I referenced above. People that engage in these kind of threads are usually miserable, negative, and simply anti-American. Those kind of people can cast a dark cloud even in a tornado. Don't mistake their supposed humor and good nature for joining their clique as good will. Misery loves company with these kind of people. If you are looking for something positive to help with your move and what you should expect then these are the last kind of people you should talk to.

Respect the culture of the country you have chosen to live in. It is foolish and disrespectful to expect things to be the same as where you came from and beyond crazy to expect it to change just to make you more comfortable. It isn't going to happen so you may as well accept that fact. Dwelling on negative differences and things you are not used to or do not have any desire to accept is only going to make your stay miserable. It will certainly affect your attitude in at least subtle ways that will be projected to those around. People will notice.

Americans don't like people that constantly complain. A complaint here and there and a dissenting voice tends to only be tolerated by people that do something about their misery. Even then eventually people will simply tell you to quit whining, to just shut up, and get on with it. At that point don't be surprised if they simply avoid you, even more so since your are a newly arrived immigrant.

Lose the sarcasm that is common in the UK. It is not going to go over well outside of a comedy routine or show or movie, especially with Americans you don't even know. Sarcasm in every day American life is considered rude and not funny.

Avoid spending too much time in these kinds of forums as they often interfere with assimilating into a new culture. Keeping one foot in the UK is not going to help you be happy in a new country, especially if you plan on staying.

Accept the political and social differences of America in comparison to Europe. Even many of our Democrats are more to the right than you would think. Avoid the depressing and futile political mine field in the already difficult process of assimilating into a new culture. You may disagree with gun culture in America but the country has had such a gun culture since even before the country was formed, and even much more so. Don't expect such things to change in your lifetime, if ever, and nor should you expect it to.

It is foolish to judge a country many times bigger than your own on the one place you have chosen to live in. Every part of a country, its states, and its cities have their less desrable areas and their own character.

Get out and travel the country as often as you can and talk to people. Most Americans are easily approachable and like to converse so it isn't rude to simply start up conversations with strangers as many in Europe think. Being too reserved is a prescription for loneliness and few friends.

Finally, keep a positive attitude. Life is tough enough without what should be your best cheerleader, yourself, bringing you down. Make the best of whatever situation you decided to get yourself into or the ones that life hands you. Conditioning yourself to be miserable in what you percieve to be difficult situations, like any other habit, can be with you for the rest of your life, and is as destructive as they come.

Many will respond to this thread, assuming the thread still exists, in a very negative way but they will only prove what they really are, as they did in the referenced thread and others within this forum. Read that thread and see for yourself the kind of vileness that you can expect from such people when someone disagrees with them.

To those that are not anti-American, hostile, and look forward to their stay in America, I say welcome to America and good luck. To all the others happiness is just a plane ride away. Let me know if you need help with the tickets.

Originally Posted by Fig Newton

Avoid spending too much time in these kinds of forums

Originally Posted by Fig Newton

It is likely that this thread will not last for too long as at least one person that has the power to censor threads that they don't like will likely have their way again. See the thread, and specifically the last post, "Things that disturb you about the US" to see what I mean.

Originally Posted by Celtic_Angel

Well I kinda agree with some of Fig Newtons opening points...I've found myself on the defensive a few times...you Brits really are a whiney bunch ....but all in all the lesson here is it's just how IMHERE said , we're just having a whinge with others who can understand and sympathise.....don't take it so personal


Plenty of us on here have wonderful American friends, have American spouses and are raising dual citizens... well in my case my kids are definitly more American than Brit......not your run of the mill "typical" American though....dontyaknow

Originally Posted by Perfumdiva1

Celtic Angel

Didnt guess u were American...

PD1

Originally Posted by Fig Newton

Respect the culture of the country you have chosen to live in. It is foolish and disrespectful to expect things to be the same as where you came from and beyond crazy to expect it to change just to make you more comfortable. .

Originally Posted by doctor scrumpy

The US has culturally raped the world.

Originally Posted by doctor scrumpy

And they say the Yanks don't do irony !

Given every corner of the world HAS to have a McDonalds & a coke machine how can you spout that crap ? The US has culturally raped the world.