British families.

Riley_G

Brambling said:

You may have noticed that the British sense of humour can be difference from the American one as well as some peoples use of sarcasm? I used to work with a lady who had moved to the UK in similar circumstances to yours and had problems with understanding both 

Oh I am struggling with that! or People thinking my Manhattan accent is fake.

AskAsk

Mojisola said:

AskAsk said:

Savvy_Sue said:

What I don't quite understand is why your boyfriend isn't giving you a reverse cultural induction to the one he must have had when he came to the USA.

i was going to ask the OP this question myself as her boyfriend is better placed to answer these questions for her

Both making a good point. 
Riley - as you've probably realised by now, different groups of people do things differently; people in different parts of the country do things differently.
Initially, you'll be moving in your BF's circle of family and friends and he is best placed to tell you what the norms are for them. 

the americans seem to have an idea of what is british, and this idea tends to come from movies like love actually and 4 weddings and a funeral 

the reality is, it very much depends on the actual group of people that will define their behaviour as everyone is different and even where you are located in the UK will be different in behaviour.  so we are not all like hugh grant and briget jones    or even Mr Bean 

JamoLew

also our humour is a LOT more subtle and layered than the slapstick stuff and canned laughter that you are used to in the States
And i was taught ALWAYS milk second - so you don't overheat it and cause curdling

Emmia

Deleted_User said:

There's a really useful documentary series that may help you if you can track it down.  It's called 'Little Britain' and covers the main social situations you may encounter and how to handle them. You won't go far wrong if you allow yourself to be guided by the examples there.

Good luck, old bean. 

It's a somewhat racist and xenophobic comedy series - I realise you're being funny but I've known people who have had similar recommendations, and who've not realised that was the intention. 

gettingtheresometime

The one tip I would give you is not to call someone from Wales, Scotland or Ireland English....just think how an American would take to be calling Canadian lol!
As for asking the boyfriend ....in my experience, the little things tend to wash over men!

WickedWitch123

AskAsk said:

Savvy_Sue said:

Riley_G said:

Savvy_Sue said:

What I don't quite understand is why your boyfriend isn't giving you a reverse cultural induction to the one he must have had when he came to the USA.

He tried. Oh he tried. I prefer learning my own way. 

I don't know anyone else in the UK. I've never been to the UK. Boyfriend has told me to do some things. 

PLEASE make some friends yourself. I know it's not the the best of times, but whatever YOUR interests are make time for them and try to connect with like-minded people. 

it is actually not that easy to make friends in the UK as people are more reserved and are more cautious around strangers, particularly foreigners.  but yes, the OP should try to make friends as it is pretty lonely just to depend on her boyfriend.

best way to make friends is to join some sort of activity club where you can meet people who like similar things to you.

Hey that may be true if you're from 'down South' but up here in Manchester we are an extremely friendly and approachable bunch.  OP you seem outgoing and confident - you'll have no trouble making friends in Manchester. Obviously not a great time with COVID but you'll be fine.  Any other questions, ask away and welcome to the UK xx

JamoLew

gettingtheresometime said:

The one tip I would give you is not to call someone from Wales, Scotland or Ireland English....just think how an American would take to be calling Canadian lol!
As for asking the boyfriend ....in my experience, the little things tend to wash over men!

oh yes to this - learn the difference between Great Britain and The United Kingdom as well

MalMonroe

Riley_G said:

Hey everyone

I've moved over from the USA because my British boyfriend just said to me when he was leaving NY (He was working out there for nearly a year) if I wanted to come to the UK and I just jumped on a plane (I hold a British passport because my mom was born in the UK but moved over here many years ago. I've never been to the UK).

I'm trying to get my head round the whole UK way of life. Wonder if you could help me. My boyfriend suggested I check here.

- Meeting the parents, back home I would take a gift to them and it wouldn't be formal. I've been told here that its very prim and proper. Can anyone give me the low down?
- Why do I have to get a sponsor/reference to get a bank account. My boyfriend had to vouch for me at his bank. is this normal? Will I have to always get a vouch or will I be allowed to apply on my own. Do I have to pay to use a bank branch?
- Can you get prepaid phones here? I was reading there is T-Mobile in the UK, I have T-Mobile in the states can I move my account over to the UK? My boyfriend said they became EE? He has an account at EE and he has said he will add me to his account, is that with my T-Mobile US account?
- Does credit work in the same way as it does in the US? I had a credit card I bought all my every day purchases on it and paid it off at the end of the month by check, I was told my score would increase, is that the same here?
- Anything else I should know?

Sorry for all the questions, I know should have researched this, but I followed my heart. I have savings if it goes wrong, so don't worry on that front.

Any help received! 

Hello! I just wanted to say welome to England! (Britain, the UK)

People on here seem to have covered most things you need to know so there's not much else to add except enjoy the experience and try not to worry. 

I've lived in two other different countries myself in the past and found that it takes a little while to settle down and get used to the culture, lifestyle and people but I had great adventures and also, fun.

I hope you enjoy your time here!!  Best wishes. xx

Riley_G

Emmia said:

Deleted_User said:

There's a really useful documentary series that may help you if you can track it down.  It's called 'Little Britain' and covers the main social situations you may encounter and how to handle them. You won't go far wrong if you allow yourself to be guided by the examples there.

Good luck, old bean. 

It's a somewhat racist and xenophobic comedy series - I realise you're being funny but I've known people who have had similar recommendations, and who've not realised that was the intention. 

We had that show in the states, I knew he was joking

Aranyani

How long have you known your boyfriend?