10 Things Brits Complain About But Are Still Better Than In The USA

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10 Things Brits Complain About But Are Still Better Than In The USA

Let’s talk about what makes Brits tick and sometimes tick them off—yes, we’re looking at some classic British grumbles that, when you think about it, aren’t all that bad, especially when compared to the USA. From the NHS to the weather, here are ten things Brits complain about but are still better off than their American cousins.

1. The NHS

The NHS might have its fair share of waiting lists and busy doctors, but let’s put things into perspective. In the UK, if you’re feeling under the weather or have a serious health scare, you can get treatment without worrying about a massive bill landing in your mailbox. Over in the States, medical bills can be a huge stress, often costing a small fortune. So, while waiting an extra hour might be a pain, it’s a small price to pay for accessible healthcare.

2. Public Transport

We Brits sure know how to moan about a delayed train or a bus that’s packed like a tin of sardines. But have you tried getting around in many parts of the USA without a car? It’s often not even an option. The UK might have its issues, but at least you can hop on a train and travel from city to city without much hassle. It’s convenient and, dare we say, sometimes even scenic!

3. Weather

Yes, the UK skies can be a perennial shade of grey, and a sunny day is a calendar event. But let’s think about the extreme weather dodged by Brits—no hurricanes sweeping through towns, no tornadoes in the backyard, and wildfires are not part of the usual worries. A bit of drizzle and cloud seems a fair trade-off, doesn’t it?

4. Work-Life Balance

Ever heard a Brit complain about too little holiday time? Probably not. The UK legally ensures ample holiday days for a bit of R&R, unlike the USA where vacation days are few and sometimes none at all. So next time you’re sipping tea on a two-week holiday, remember, it’s not a global standard!

5. TV Licensing Fees

Forking out for a TV license might make you grumble, especially when it’s time to pay up. But consider this—BBC iPlayer and other services keep running without ad breaks every fifteen minutes. In the US, commercial breaks are so frequent you can make a cup of tea and be back before your show resumes. Sounds irritating, right?

6. Small Portions in Restaurants

In the UK, when you order a meal, it’s usually just the right size to leave you satisfied, not stuffed. Across the pond, it’s a different story. American portions are so large that leftovers are the norm. So while you might occasionally leave a UK restaurant wishing for a bit more on the plate, at least you’re not lugging home boxes of food every time you eat out.

7. Queues

Nobody likes to wait, but Brits have turned queuing into an art form. There’s something quite orderly about a British queue—no pushing, no skipping, just a neat line. Compare this to some of the chaotic queues (if you can call them that) in the US, and suddenly standing in line doesn’t seem quite so bad.

8. Football Culture

High ticket prices for football matches are a common complaint among fans. However, consider the structure and passion of British football. The league system, relegation, and promotion battles add layers of excitement absent in many US sports, where franchise systems dominate. This traditional approach to football keeps the game deeply rooted in local communities and histories.

9. Pubs Closing Early

Last orders at 11 pm might seem early, especially when you’re in the mood to party into the wee hours. But on the flip side, Brits can enjoy a pint without the hassle of constantly proving they’re of legal drinking age, unlike in the USA, where IDs are checked with nearly every drink order. That’s a bit of freedom worth celebrating, right?

10. Rainy Summers

While British summers can be on the wet side, consider the alternative—scorching heatwaves that hit much of the US, making it unbearable to even step outside. A gentle drizzle might dampen a picnic now and then, but it also keeps the countryside lush and green. Who doesn’t love that fresh, rainy smell in the air after a summer shower?

So next time you find yourself moaning about these quintessentially British problems, remember it could be a lot worse—you could be dealing with them on the other side of the pond!