Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I saw this and just thought I'd give you an American in England's viewpoint.

1. Forget about openly speaking your mind to someone who's offended you or with whom you disagree.--you'll just be considered "rude."

Funny, that is very much an American trait.....

2. Try to ignore all the piss-taking comedians and Brits in general take out of Americans, especially when they've never been to the country.

It is called humour - something Americans don't have a clue about.

3. If you're an American involved with a Brit, ALWAYS expect to initiate any affection, such as a hug or a kiss. It's just not done here--Brits are too uptight.

4. Always undertip anyone who does you a service. They appreciate whatever little pence you throw their way.

Servers there get proper wages and benefits - they don't get treated like sub-humans and expected to live on slave wages like they do in the States

5. NEVER expect the cashier at a grocery store to bag your groceries. Instead, expect the zombie to allow you to completely unload your cart before you scramble to the end to start manically shoving your purchases in bags. In this case, even sarcastic comments go unrecognized.

Welcome to a different country..... :rolleyes:

MORE TO COME...

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

3. If you're an American involved with a Brit, ALWAYS expect to initiate any affection, such as a hug or a kiss. It's just not done here--Brits are too uptight.

Hi SuzanneMaria I see you are new member welcome :)

Funny you should make the number 3. comment I have always as a Brit in the US felt the total opposite,Americans in general in my opinion seem to be very cold and laid back at showing affection.

I am one of those people that always greets folk with a hug, except in business of course, but I have noticed the look of "why did she do that!!"
I link arms shopping with a female friend and my ex used to say to me that it's not done here.
I call people darling alot another no no.......maybe I mix with the wrong folk lol :D

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Hove is a kind of weird place though isn't it.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

The british have a great tradition of humor, and I still love it - Monty P, Black Adder, Absolutely Fabulous, etc - but the average british person can have a very nasty tendency to put anyone and everyone else 'down', and thinly disguise this as 'humor'. It seems the average brit just can't stand anyone else being different, or, God Forbid, better off than they are.

I don't know exactly how service industry workers are paid back in the UK, but my niece is a part-time waitress there and I think she's equally exploited, and would be mighty pleased to get the kind of tips that are standard here. When my family from UK visit me here, I insist on paying in restaurants, or at least paying the tip, because they seem incapable of leaving a decent tip - even though the meal cost them half of what it would have cost back home. Of course, the totally stupid way that credit card transactions are handled over there makes it much harder to give a tip - the credit card total is fixed at the base amount, and can't be 'added to' as it can here; a difference I've never understood (I've been eating out here for 24 years and never once been ripped off despite the fact that the final amount is allowed to vary!).

That's because, if the efficient and trained grocery store cashier bagged your groceries, he/she wouldn't be able to stand around looking bored and depressed, conveying to everyone that they'd rather be somewhere else. I've never understood the logic of letting me bag my own groceries ... because I SUCK at it, and it takes me forever, slowing down the whole process. It's not like they do it for you here out of sheer goodwill, they do it because it lets them move people through faster.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

- Yes, have to agree that I wish British supermarkets would get with the programme re: bagging groceries. Like you, I suck at it bigtime - I NEVER seem to be able to get the bag off and open in less than 60 seconds, meanwhille I'm not even halfway through bagging when I hear "That's 60 pounds and 97 pence, please," as I'm not even halfway bagging, so everyone (including the cashier) stands/sits there looking at me while I struggle to finish bagging before I can whip out my credit card. So inefficient!

- I think the "Right turn on red" is another efficient habit we could adopt from the US.

- If only we could take all the smart ideas each country has and combine them, we'd have Utopia! :thumbsup:

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

- I think the "Right turn on red" is another efficient habit we could adopt from the US.

I like the idea of left turn on red in the US and right turn on red in the UK.....

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I shop in Publix, where I can have paper bags or plastic. Half the time a bag boy will run and place my items on the conveyor belt. I always have my groceries taken out to the car by the bag boy. No tipping allowed. Always happy and chatty. The store has covered parking for days that it might rain. Just pull car into covered parking, and they will load it up for you. No problem. Wipes provided to wipe down cart handle if sticky. Umbrella bags for wet umbrellas on rainy days. Two for the price of one items all the time. $5 off coupons in the mail. Gotta love Publix.

When I go to UK, I forget about grocery store etiquette. When I am ready to pay, I am dumfounded that I forgot that I have to do all the work myself, while the cashier stands there doing nothing, just looking at me. It makes me so nervous that I generally don't buy much.

I can guarantee you that waiters and waitresses make more money in the USA than in the UK. Waitressing is certainly not slave labor. My daughter waited tables through college, and never worked over a 5-hour shift. She made bundles of money - she often talks about how much wait staff make. Why do you think college students work in restaurants? Because they love the money.

I don't take information about the UK from people who have never lived there though.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Got to say I've experienced the opposite - its hugs all round here with the lasses if you've met them more than about twice, and handshakes for the blokes - everytime you see them.....and when you part company at the end of the day. I find it gets a bit wearying to be honest.

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The Americans are....

The Brits are....

Individuals. Some trends perhaps, but the people vary all over, in different parts of the country and individually.

College kid I know makes great money waitressing - loves it.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I agree.... (From what I read on here obviously, never having set foot in the UK)

Hooters?

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

lol nope, IHOP.

But perhaps I should suggest Hooters to her... I think she rather has some....

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

same here, it's hugs and hand shakes all the time! i found it strange when I came from the UK, but you get used to it. it can be a little OTT at times. i lived in Germany for several years though, and a handshake for a greeting is normal there. like someone said, it all comes down to local customs - nothing wrong with any of it. the British are definitely nowhere near as huggy/kissy as Americans - but I adapt to where I am. it's all okay with me.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Interestingly, now the Brits I've met are far more huggy/kissy than I and my American friends are with each other.

Another example of ymmv apparently.

As long as I actually like the people, I don't mind either way really.

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Well yes, it can be regional. You live in Chicago, and I live in the deep south. very huggy kissy.

I noticed in Calif peeps are more aloof. After all, it's a big country.

kiss, kiss!!

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Oh yeah LOL, them southerners be ALL over ya! :p

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I'd personally bag my own groceries because it's quicker to do it after I've put my stuff on the belt than wait around like a moron to do it, and badly. Though Wholefoods is pretty good at bagging stuff. As for them moving people through faster, I doubt it, it's just something to do. Though the one thing I don't understand, why do cashiers have to stand up over here to seem busy and polite? They are just as capable doing that job sitting down as in most countries...would certainly make it a lot easier on all those pregnant ladies you see standing at the tills :)

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I'll give you that, that is one of the few things that is awesome about driving over here :D

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Thing is, back in blighty, you've more chance of not needing to work to study, or at least work as much as here so that it interferes with the studies. My course was kind of against people working because they didn't want people dropping dead after doing 60-80 hours of course work a week :lol:

But the money thing, I think it does vary from state to state. Some will call tips your wage so offer you less than minimum whilst some other states don't, and in those, you could earn great money :)

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Yup, we're a miserable bunch in Mass anyway, or it might be we're afraid we'd stick to each other in the cold :D

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

True, they have to work harder in US to help with tuition and books.

However, I have 4 nieces and nephews in USA, and 4 nieces and nephews in UK, and all worked while going to uni. still needed cars, clothes, entertainment, etc.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Nice idea! And how about having the British adopt the US custom of .... wait for it ... letting people cross the road! Even in a busy city like SF, pedestrians are given the right of way. I've never fully understood why this is, but it didn't take me long to get used to it and love it. I go back to UK now and nearly die every time I try to cross the road, since car drivers there won't give an inch.

Come to think of it, the right-turn-on-red (or the 'left turn on red' UK equiv) may fail because of the driving style over there; I'd say UK drivers are 'better' than US drivers, but then they drive so much more aggressively that it negates their better driving skills and ends up making the place more dangerous.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I wouldn't say your average UK driver drives more aggresively - faster maybe, but I find it far worse here. Insane weaving in busy traffic, road ragers, hit and run MUCH more prolific - on UK roads the traffic might be going faster but I find it much less stressful.

I also find it interesting you think UK drivers won't give an inch - here, if you indicate to change lane, you are guaranteed the driver behind in that lane will speed up to cut you off - in the UK, if you indicate, people will generally let you in.

And crossing the road here? Are you insane???? Lord knows I'd cross a busy motorway in the UK and feel far safer than crossing a street in Tampa (or indeed any other US city) - completely disagree with you that its the other way round.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Maybe it's regional; here in CA, if I step off the sidewalk, cars stop - no question. Even if I do an illegal jaywalk in the middle of the street (not at a marked crosswalk), cars let me go. When my family visit from UK, they are always shocked by this and always comment on it. CA is famous for being 'laid back'; I find driving here relatively easy and relaxing.

What I remember about driving on the M1 in UK is that there would be a major pile-up at least once a week, and because everyone was doing 90, and driving nose-to-tail, the accident would be devastating. I just don't see those major pile-ups here.

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Have a read of this: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1208

At the bottom is this quote:

"The United Kingdom has a very good record for road safety compared with most other EU countries. In 2004 it had one of the lowest road death rates in the EU, at 5.6 per 100,000 population. The UK rate was also lower than the rates for other industrialised nations such as Japan (6.96 per 100,000 population), and substantially lower than that of Australia (8.15) and the United States (14.66)".

and here: http://cemt.org/IRTAD/IRTADPUBLIC/we2.html

I think that just about proves how shite the driving is in the US compared with the UK - approximately 3 times as shite....

Edit - but I will grant you, it varies a lot state by state, as shown here: http://www.driveandstayalive.com/inf...apita_2002.htm

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

You know that very well could be but have you thought that more of us drive and have a higher chance to getting into a fender bender. So I'm not sure if your survey takes that into account. Also, from what I understand the UK has fabulous transport system and it's heavily used. Most don't use their cars much as they prefer to walk. Here it's the land of the automobile. So given that figure I think we are doing pretty good. Just a thought.

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You know, I did think of that - but then I thought surely all those miles that people drive and the time spent on the road should mean they have tons of "good" :) driving experience to counter balance it........

I think the figures from the second link where it breaks it down State by State is probably a bit more representative - but even then, it still doesn't do the US any favors in most cases - however, in places like New York State, where they also have good public transport and a "walking" major city, the rate is more in line with the UK (but still not quite as good).

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Interesting statistics - thanks for finding and posting them. I still stand by the fact that drivers are more courteous towards pedestrians, at least in CA, but the fatality statistics contradict my other assertion. I wonder if age and 'training' have an impact - I seem to recall reading that in the US, a large number of fatalities are under 25. And I think everyone would agree that the driving test in the UK is a tough one!

Ugacrew's point is also a good one; here, people are compelled to drive because there is not such a good public transit alternative, and places are more spread out, eliminating the 'walking' alternative. This can be especially problematic with older drivers ... I live near a retirement community and there have been several incidents where elder drivers have demonstrated that they really should not be on the road - but they have very little alternative.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I was actually knocked-down by an SUV turning right on a red. It's quite common for drivers just to focus on what's coming from the left and not to notice the pedestrian on their right. Coming from the UK I had blind faith in the 'green man'. 'Luckily' the SUV knocked me back onto the pavement.

Despite the above, I do like the 'turning right on a red light' though. I'm just more careful now as a pedestrian! I don't think this rule would work as well in much of the UK though, due to a combination of congestion and agressive driving. I have visions of people flooring the accelerator to 'fit' into a 20 foot gap in the oncoming traffic.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Chicago area they stop too - Keith always think I'm about to be killed walking in front of cars.

I don't think I would try it with the cabbies in downtown Chicago though - unless I had a death wish.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

They need to adopt that approach in Boston then as well :lol:

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The UK has the best approach ...

Who has the right of way on most road in the UK ...????

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Sheep?

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No!! but your on the right track

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Horses?

Cows?

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Horses of courses ...

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I find driving over here much more stressful. I grew up in Germany and drove a lot for job. Frankfurt - Antwerp - Frankfurt several times a week.
Now , over here, speeds are only half of what I am used to - but no one indicates!! Total guesswork of where people are going! And they do not look and just pull out or change lanes. I only have 18miles one way to work and I near have an accident daily. My wife (from the US) is glad I have good driving skills, but she is still scared that one day someone will get me....
..and they did.
A week before Xmas. My first accident in 22 years. I was trundling along doing a slow 35mph and this lady suddenly pulls over without looking or indicating - wham! Near the whole side of my Passat was dented. Luckily I saw her and was able to swerve slightly by a few feet, or it would have been a lot worse. She was not even aware of hitting my car and I had to make her stop and call the police.
End of story? She got fined on the spot by the cops and is still denying being at fault, which is now going to court. Michigan with its weird insurance laws leaves me with $1400,-- of damages.
People drive too slow, have bad brakes (everytime I have to brake hard - the car behind me gets so close it has to swerve into another lane to avoid hitting me), slow reactions , are still using their cell phones while driving (handsfree? Hah what is that?) disregard of traffic signals (wait 5 minutes at a light and you will find someone pushing through on red- and it's been read for like 5 seconds).. no turn signals -- arrrgh! However, I spent a week in Minneapolis and it was not as bad. The two things which annoy me most are the "no signals" and hugging the left lane, slowing down everyone else. That prob comes from my driving in Germany as they fine you for using the left lane too long or being to slow and obstructing traffic. Oh, while I am complaining (wow, never knew I was so worked up about this ) I disagree with he pedestrian thing - if someone steps in front of my car and it is not a traffic light or designated pedestrian area- why should I stop? When I walk, I do not expect them to stop.

I feel so much safer driving in the UK, Germany, Belgium than here. I just see that drivers are more aware of their surroundings and have slightly better control over their cars - and indicate where they are going, which makes driving much more predictable. I am sure if drivers were more sensible and take the guesswork out of it, I wouldn't find it that bad...

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Sorry... but I just have to snicker a bit - everyone's driving too slow for you - but everyone is generally driving OVER the speed limit.

But I adored driving in Germany on the autobahn... so I bet you'd miss it.

I did think Michigan drivers were a bit... oblivious.

The pedestrian thing - well, it isn't brilliant to step out in front of cars. But I think (at least some places) they do legally have the right of way.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

My parents are originally from the Bay area and have always told me that out west the rule of thumb (in CA) is that the pedestrian has the right of way 100% of the time - regardless of jaywalking, lights, etc. So you might experience this more than others.

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

I lived in Corona for about 10 years before I moved to the UK. And I go back yearly because of family commitments. I can truthfully say I have hated it every time I've been back. I know that isn't really going to help you. But I can sympathize. And I have to agree, they drive like maniacs there, get stuck on the 91 Frwy (trying to get to the 15) and its like a free for all. Although in saying that, you should try the suicide junctions here in Seattle. :eek: Really the best thing about Corona is their school district. Or it was....I've been away for a long time.....

Best of luck and maybe you can find your way out of there?

Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
 

Having recently read the Driver's Manual for Iowa, I can say the same is true here.

Speaking of pedestrians and driving, it brings up a point that does annoy me and that is the lack of sidewalks here. I've found it both here and in ATL if you actually want to walk anywhere here you have to walk along the edge of the road which is not fun. It's not as bad as riding a bike (only do that if you have a death wish, particularly in ATL), but a lot of the time drivers will get rather close to you and it can be intimidating.

Z