I''m an American living in the UK, a common US habit is considered ''crass'' here

Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, July 18th 2025 at 3:02 GMT by The Sun
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AFTER moving to the UK, one American woman noticed a big cultural difference. She revealed a common US habit that is considered to be "crass" by Brits. The TikTok user, know as Yorkshir

In a detailed and engaging piece from The Sun, an American woman named Jane, who has lived in Britain for several years, shares her insights into a particular U.S. habit that she has come to realize is often considered crass or impolite by British standards. This cultural observation stems from her personal experiences navigating the subtle but significant differences in social etiquette between the two countries. Jane's story serves as a fascinating exploration of cross-cultural misunderstandings and the nuances of behavior that can shape perceptions in different societies. Her reflections offer a window into how seemingly innocuous habits can carry different connotations depending on the cultural context, and her journey of adaptation highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity when living abroad.

Jane begins by recounting her initial excitement about moving to Britain, a country she had long admired for its history, culture, and charm. Having grown up in the United States, she was accustomed to a certain way of interacting with others—direct, friendly, and often informal. However, after settling into her new life in the UK, she began to notice that some of her ingrained behaviors, which were perfectly acceptable back home, were met with raised eyebrows or polite but distant responses from her British acquaintances. At first, she couldn’t quite pinpoint what was causing this subtle friction. She assumed it might be her accent or perhaps a general wariness of foreigners, but over time, through conversations and observations, she identified a specific habit that seemed to be at the root of the issue: the American tendency to be overly familiar or personal in casual interactions.

In the United States, Jane explains, it’s common for people to strike up conversations with strangers, ask personal questions, or share details about their own lives as a way of building rapport. For example, chatting with a cashier about their day, asking a coworker about their family, or even complimenting a stranger on their outfit with a follow-up question about where they got it are all seen as friendly gestures. This openness is often viewed as a sign of warmth and sociability in American culture. Jane herself had always prided herself on being approachable and outgoing, qualities that were celebrated in her hometown. However, in Britain, she discovered that this level of familiarity can come across as intrusive or overly forward, especially in situations where a more reserved demeanor is expected.

Jane recalls a specific incident that brought this cultural difference into sharp focus. Early on in her time in the UK, she was at a local supermarket and struck up a conversation with the cashier, asking how their day was going and commenting on the weather. While the cashier responded politely, Jane noticed a certain stiffness in their demeanor, as if they were uncomfortable with the exchange. Later, a British friend explained to her that such personal engagement with someone in a service role is not the norm in the UK. Many Britons, her friend noted, prefer to keep interactions with strangers brief and transactional, reserving deeper conversations for close friends or family. This revelation was eye-opening for Jane, who had never considered that her attempt to be friendly might be perceived as overstepping boundaries.

This difference in social norms, Jane learned, is deeply rooted in British culture, which often values privacy and restraint in public settings. While Americans might see small talk as a way to connect, Britons may interpret it as unnecessary or even presumptuous, particularly if it veers into personal territory. Jane began to notice other examples of this cultural divide in various settings. At work, for instance, she initially tried to bond with her colleagues by asking about their weekends or sharing stories about her own life. While some appreciated her friendliness, others seemed to withdraw, responding with short answers or changing the subject. Over time, she realized that British workplace culture often prioritizes professionalism over personal connection, especially in the early stages of a relationship. Building trust and camaraderie takes longer and is typically done through more subtle means, such as shared humor or gradual familiarity.

Another area where Jane noticed this contrast was in public spaces. In the U.S., it’s not uncommon to smile at strangers on the street or offer a casual greeting as a sign of acknowledgment. Jane was used to this kind of interaction, but in Britain, she found that such gestures were often met with confusion or indifference. She learned that many Britons interpret unsolicited friendliness from strangers as suspicious or unnecessary, preferring to keep to themselves unless there’s a specific reason for interaction. This wasn’t a sign of rudeness, as she initially thought, but rather a reflection of a cultural preference for personal space and discretion.

Adjusting to these differences wasn’t easy for Jane, but she was determined to adapt. She began to observe how her British friends and colleagues interacted with others, taking note of their more reserved approach. She started to limit her small talk to neutral topics like the weather—a safe and quintessentially British subject—and avoided asking personal questions unless the other person initiated such a conversation. She also became more attuned to nonverbal cues, recognizing when someone was uncomfortable or uninterested in chatting. Over time, these adjustments helped her build stronger relationships with those around her, as she demonstrated respect for their cultural norms.

Jane’s story also touches on the broader theme of cultural adaptation and the challenges of navigating a new social landscape. She admits that there were moments of frustration and loneliness as she grappled with these differences. At times, she felt misunderstood or rejected, wondering if she would ever truly fit in. However, she also came to appreciate the British emphasis on politeness and subtlety, finding beauty in the understated ways that people express kindness and connection. For instance, she grew to value the quiet nods of acknowledgment or the dry humor that often serves as a bonding tool in British interactions. These experiences taught her that cultural differences are not about one way being better than another, but rather about understanding and respecting diverse perspectives.

Reflecting on her journey, Jane emphasizes the importance of being open-minded when living in a new country. She acknowledges that it’s natural to bring one’s own cultural habits and assumptions into a new environment, but stresses that true integration requires a willingness to learn and adapt. For her, recognizing that her American habit of casual familiarity could be seen as crass in Britain was a humbling lesson. It reminded her that even well-intentioned behaviors can be misinterpreted if they don’t align with local norms. By sharing her story, Jane hopes to encourage other expatriates to approach cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment, and to see these challenges as opportunities for personal growth.

In addition to her personal anecdotes, Jane offers practical advice for Americans moving to or visiting the UK. She suggests starting with observation—paying close attention to how locals interact in different settings, whether it’s at the grocery store, on public transport, or in the workplace. She also recommends being patient with oneself, as adjusting to a new culture takes time and often involves trial and error. Finally, she encourages seeking out local friends or mentors who can provide guidance and context for unfamiliar customs. These relationships, she notes, were invaluable in helping her navigate the subtleties of British etiquette.

Jane’s experience ultimately underscores the richness of cross-cultural exchange. While the differences between American and British social norms initially posed challenges for her, they also enriched her understanding of human behavior and connection. She now sees her time in the UK as a transformative chapter in her life, one that has broadened her perspective and deepened her appreciation for diversity. Her story serves as a reminder that cultural misunderstandings, while sometimes uncomfortable, can lead to meaningful learning and growth. By embracing the nuances of British etiquette, Jane has not only adapted to her new home but also gained a deeper sense of empathy and adaptability—qualities that will serve her well no matter where life takes her next.

Read the Full The Sun Article at:
[ https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/35509767/american-woman-us-habit-considered-crass-in-britain/ ]

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I''m an American living in the UK, a common US habit is considered ''crass'' here