Top 10 dos and don’ts to have a great time in England.

Let’s pretend together that it is easy to travel at the moment, and you dream of visiting England in the UK. We are a generally accepting bunch (group of people), and like to avoid confrontation. Here are some important tips for not offending people and having a great time in England:

1.       Queue respectfully: We are known as a nation of people who like to queue. I don’t believe this is true! I think we are a nation of people obsessed with fairness, and anyone who jumps to the front of a queue, pushes in line or starts their own line will be given many angry looks.

2.       Don’t talk about politics, religion, sexuality, or money with someone you have just met: There is nothing wrong about having opinions about things or expressing your sexuality, but they are considered to be very personal topics in England. They tend to start very emotional conversations that most English people do not want to have on the first meeting.

3.       No reverse V hand signs!: If you put your hand in a peace sign with your fingers in a V, this is absolutely fine. If you turn your hand around so that the palm of your hand is facing you, this is extremely rude. This means “up yours” and is swearing and confrontational.

4.       Be on time: English people are relatively on time for things. It is extremely rude to turn up to an appointment any more than 5 minutes late. You are disrespecting everyone’s time.

5.       Give elderly and pregnant people your seat on public transport: They need the rest. There are also special seats for the pregnant, disabled or elderly on public transport, do not sit in these unless you qualify.

6.       Do not eat with your mouth open, or talk with food in your mouth: Most English people find this disgusting and rude.

7.       Do not sniff your snot in the back of your head, or spit: If you have a head cold or an uncomfortable tickly nose, leave the room, go to the bathroom, and blow your nose and clean up in private.

8.       Use “thank you” “excuse me” “pardon me” and “please” and hold the door open: As you walk through a door, hold it for the next person. Thank people whenever they do something for you, or answer your question. If you want something (even to buy something) say please. If you need to walk around someone, say “excuse me” and they will move out of the way. If you pass wind, or burp, say “pardon me”.  It also helps to use “I would like” and not “I want”, and “could I” instead of “can I”. This conditional grammar is way of giving your conversation partner the option to say no!

9.       Put your hand in front of your face if you cough or sneeze: This is polite and more hygienic. It is even better to cough or sneeze into your elbow so your hands remain clean.

10.   If you find someone attractive talk to them:  Don’t use “one liners”, call out to them, whistle or shout. Politely ask if you could speak to them. Shouting and calling things out is seen as aggressive in England.

There are many little day to day things, but if you follow these rules you should be OK. We all make mistakes, and most people will understand.

Have I missed any tips and tricks? Let me know in the comments section below!

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