I consider myself as an anglophile person, someone who admires England and has a deep interest for the country and its people. Due to that I visited the UK several times before and enjoyed it each time. One reason for that is the people that somehow seem to be particular lovely on this island.

As I mentioned in my first post, I find it exciting to discover cultural differences, especially in social interactions. Today I’d like to talk about what I observed in more detail.

Greeting Talk: While Germans are used to shake hands, handshaking is often considered as too formal or business-like in England. Instead, the English start their conversation without any hand gestures. Every greeting talk starts with the obligatory „how’re you? “ While both speakers usually answer „fine, alright“ or at least „okay“. Basically, both speakers expect the other person to give this answer. Even if you’re not feeling well, you wouldn’t bother the other person right away. Instead of How are you, the English greet one another with an „Alright?“ which mostly comes out as an “ ‚right ?“. This always sounds odd to me because people say it without showing any actual interest to know if you’re actually alright. It sounds more like a different way of saying „hi„.

Please & Thank you & Sorry: It may seem obvious because England is popular for its politeness but I honestly can’t count the amount of please & thank you I’m hearing everyday. At work, it’s like the most natural thing to do. Even for the normal work I do I’m receiving so much appreciation in form of a „Great! Thank you so much“ from my colleagues that it makes me feel very respected. In my opinion, it really makes an impact how you treat your colleagues and how are you being treated by your team. It positively influences your motivation and the work atmosphere very much. I always felt like this is missing in Germany and I would wish to hear that more often back home. I’m sure this is the main thing I’m going to miss when I’m back home.

Being friendly: Maybe it’s because Brighton is such a happy place that people here are overall happier than elsewhere. Though I think it’s more a way of thinking or lifestyle. To my surprise, people always put on a smile when I come to work in the morning. Now matter how stressful a day at work can be and everyone is feeling weary: Friendliness is what comes first whether it is a colleague or a costumer/student asking for help. Plus, there is always time to joke around. Apart from work, the people I talk to in the city are friendly and easy-going, too. I often was astonished how less stressful life can be when cashiers or bus drivers (generally people in costumer service roles) are more patient and friendly.