10 American Habits The UK Could Never Get Behind

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10 American Habits The UK Could Never Get Behind

When we look at the different habits across cultures, it’s clear that what’s daily routine in one country can seem quite strange in another. The United States and the United Kingdom share a lot in language and history, but day-to-day life in these two places shows some significant differences. Let’s explore ten American habits that might seem a bit puzzling, or even a step too far, for folks in the UK.

1. Tipping culture for almost every service

In the US, tipping isn’t just a nice extra; it’s expected for so many services. From haircuts to coffee runs, leaving an extra 15-20% is pretty standard. But in the UK, tipping is usually reserved for restaurants, taxis, and a few other settings. British people might find the American approach excessive, and honestly, it can feel a bit overwhelming to keep track of all the tipping rules when you’re stateside.

2. Loud and enthusiastic customer service

Ever walked into a shop in the US and been greeted with a booming “Hello! How can I help you today?” It’s pretty standard in America to have really bubbly and sometimes loud customer service. Over in the UK, customer service tends to be a bit more reserved. The British might find the American way too intense and perhaps slightly insincere.

3. Driving everywhere instead of walking

Americans love their cars. In many places in the US, driving is essential, even for short distances. This reliance on cars might seem strange to Brits, who are more used to walking or taking public transport, especially in denser areas and cities. The walkability of many UK cities contrasts sharply with American suburban sprawl where shops and homes are often miles apart with few pavements.

4. The obsession with ice in drinks

If you order a soda in the US, expect it to come with a glass almost full of ice; unless you specify otherwise. Americans seem to love their drinks super chilled. Meanwhile, in the UK, you might get ice, but it’s often just a few cubes, not a glassful. This American ice obsession can be a bit too chilly for British tastes.

5. Supermarket bagging services

In many US supermarkets, there’s someone who bags your groceries for you at the checkout. It’s a nice perk, but in the UK, you’re more likely to be bagging your own shopping. This self-service approach fits with the British focus on efficiency and speed at the till, and the idea of someone else packing your groceries might seem a bit unnecessary for Brits.

6. Over-the-top holiday decorations

Come the holiday season, some American homes transform into extravagant displays of lights and ornaments. While the UK certainly gets into the holiday spirit, the level of decoration seen in the US can sometimes seem over the top to British eyes, where holiday decor tends to be a bit more understated.

7. Talking to strangers in public settings

In the US, striking up a conversation with someone in line or on a bus is not unusual. This openness can be a bit jarring for Brits, who are generally more reserved and might find the casual chitchat a bit invasive. In the UK, public spaces are often places of quiet personal space, not impromptu social gatherings.

8. Eating large meals on the go

Grabbing a big meal and eating it while walking down the street is fairly common in the US. In contrast, the UK tends to favor sit-down meals or at least stopping to eat, rather than walking and eating. This American habit of eating large meals on the move might seem a bit hectic and impractical to some Brits.

9. Using imperial measurements instead of metric

Even though the UK does use miles and pints, for most things, it’s all about the metric system. However, in the US, the imperial system reigns supreme, and this can cause a bit of a headache for visitors from the UK. Measurements like inches, pounds, and Fahrenheit can seem a bit old-fashioned and confusing to those used to a metric-based system.

10. The prevalence of drive-thrus for food and coffee

Drive-thrus are everywhere in the US, allowing you to pick up food, coffee, and even prescriptions without leaving your car. While the UK has some drive-thrus, they’re not nearly as common, and the idea of doing so much from your car can seem a bit excessive to people in the UK, where popping into a shop or café is more the norm.