10 Things You Start Doing After Living in the UK for Too Long

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10 Things You Start Doing After Living in the UK for Too Long

Living in the UK can really change a person, even in ways you might not initially think about. Before you know it, you’re using phrases, habits, and preferences that are uniquely British, often without even realizing you’ve picked them up. From the way you react when someone bumps into you, to the intensity you feel about the weather, slowly but surely, the British way of life starts to seep into your everyday actions. Let’s explore some of these changes that seem to happen after you’ve lived in the UK for a considerable amount of time.

1. Saying “sorry” when someone else bumps into you

Ever find yourself blurting out a “sorry” when someone else crashes into you? It’s a bit funny, isn’t it? But after living in the UK for a while, it seems the most natural response. Maybe it’s the British love for politeness or just a reflex that makes you want to avoid any awkward confrontation. Either way, saying “sorry” becomes almost like a reflex, something you do without even thinking, ensuring peace and maintaining that polite British decorum we all come to learn.

2. Knowing exactly how strong your tea should be

Tea is not just a drink in the UK; it’s a cultural institution. After you’ve lived here a bit, you not only learn to love it, you also develop a very specific preference for how it should be made. Light and milky? Dark and strong? Maybe somewhere in between? You’ll find yourself getting quite particular about the brew time, the type of tea, and how much milk or sugar goes in, if any. This isn’t just about preference, it’s about perfecting a key part of your daily routine.

3. Carrying an umbrella at all times—even in a heatwave

If there’s one thing you learn in the UK, it’s that the weather can be unpredictable. Sunny one moment and raining the next? That’s pretty standard here. So, you might start finding yourself carrying an umbrella everywhere, no matter the forecast. It might feel a bit odd, especially if it’s blazing hot outside, but that’s a small price to pay for staying dry when those unexpected rain showers hit.

4. Saying “cheers” instead of “thanks”

The word “cheers” isn’t just for toasting drinks, it’s a way of saying thanks, too. After a while in the UK, saying “cheers” becomes second nature. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it carries a casual friendliness that fits just about any situation. Whether it’s to the bus driver as you hop off the bus or to a mate passing the salt, “cheers” just feels right.

5. Having very passionate opinions about biscuits

Biscuits in the UK aren’t just a snack, they’re a staple for tea time and, let’s be honest, just about any time. Rich tea, Digestives, Hobnobs, or Jaffa Cakes – everyone has their favorite and opinions can be surprisingly strong. You might find yourself in heated debates about which biscuit is the best dunker or which is just too crumbly. It’s serious business!

6. Queuing for things you don’t even want

Ever found yourself standing in a queue and then realizing you’re not even sure why you’re there? In the UK, queuing is almost a national sport. There’s a kind of silent rule that if there’s a queue, it must be worth joining. It’s a funny habit that you pick up, but it does show a certain level of patience and order, which isn’t a bad thing!

7. Standing on the right side of the escalator without thinking

In places like London, standing on the right on escalators is an unspoken rule everyone seems to know. It keeps the left side free for people in a rush who want to walk up or down. After you’ve lived in the UK for some time, you find yourself doing this automatically, even if you’re not on the Tube.

8. Watching the weather forecast like it’s a drama series

Given the unpredictable nature of British weather, keeping up with the weather forecast becomes almost essential. You might start tuning in daily, hanging onto every prediction as if it were a cliffhanger in your favorite TV show. Will it rain? Will it snow? It’s always a bit of a mystery, making the weather forecast a must-watch event.

9. Using the phrase “bit nippy, isn’t it?” all winter

“Bit nippy, isn’t it?” becomes your go-to comment about the weather during the colder months. It’s a lighthearted way to acknowledge the chill and share a moment of camaraderie with anyone around you feeling the cold. It’s these little phrases that tie you to a place, making you feel part of the community.

10. Ending every complaint with “could be worse, I suppose”

There’s a certain stoicism in British culture, a way of acknowledging that things aren’t great but could indeed be worse. After living in the UK for a while, you might catch yourself adding “could be worse, I suppose” at the end of complaints. It’s a way of expressing dissatisfaction while also showing that you’re keeping things in perspective — truly a British way of handling life’s little ups and downs.