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AIBU?

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Original poster

To feel a bit like everyone hates me when I'm a British tourist in Europe now

341 replies

Everythingisnumbersnow · 17/01/2025 16:23

I try with the language, I try not to get in people's way, I tip and I don't complain.

But everything still feels much more hostile than it used to.

OP posts:
LittleMonks11 · 17/01/2025 16:45

Rubbish

wizzywig · 17/01/2025 16:45

Are they angry at your cake choice?

Greyish2025 · 17/01/2025 16:43

Everythingisnumbersnow · 17/01/2025 16:38

Go into a bakery to order some cakes - the guy behind the counter replies in English WHAT? Angrily bags up my request. No smile. Impatient body language. Obviously dislikes me being there (this has happened in a few different branches of the same bakery as I really like the cakes 🤣)

I guess it's just experiencing a mild touch of racism and maybe it's good for me to remember that some people have to put up with it at home and I should try to remember to make life easier for folk where I can

Show quote history

What country / city did this happen in?

Ezlo · 17/01/2025 16:42

I've been to spain a few times and the locals are always lovely, from the bus drivers to the supermarket staff, including one instance when I couldn't quite understand the lady behind the till, she and the other shoppers, all spanish, tried their best to help me.

What I did find though, was the rudeness of the British holidaymakers taking the piss out of an airport manager who spoke rather animatedly when trying to keep the security queue going.

Original poster
Everythingisnumbersnow · 17/01/2025 16:40

UmbrellaEllaEllaElla · 17/01/2025 16:30

I havent noticed this when travelling in Europe. Is it possible youre feeling self-conscious around it all?

I'm sure it's real but then it's also possible I just give off unlikeable vibes and it has nothings to do with being British!

OP posts:
MidnightPatrol · 17/01/2025 16:40

I haven’t noticed this at all.

Original poster
Everythingisnumbersnow · 17/01/2025 16:38

2dogsandabudgie · 17/01/2025 16:29

In what way does it feel hostile?

Go into a bakery to order some cakes - the guy behind the counter replies in English WHAT? Angrily bags up my request. No smile. Impatient body language. Obviously dislikes me being there (this has happened in a few different branches of the same bakery as I really like the cakes 🤣)

I guess it's just experiencing a mild touch of racism and maybe it's good for me to remember that some people have to put up with it at home and I should try to remember to make life easier for folk where I can

OP posts:
MajorCarolDanvers · 17/01/2025 16:33

I haven’t found that at all. However I am avoiding Spain.

Meadowfinch · 17/01/2025 16:33

I was in Portugal in the summer with my DS. I don't get drunk. shout my mouth off or make unreasonable demands. I am always polite and my ds is the same. I tip sensibly.

We were made very welcome. The hotel staff and the locals were lovely to us. 😊

zzplex · 17/01/2025 16:33

Ah, here's the other thread. It was in September.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5172766-do-europeans-hate-the-brits

EmmaMaria · 17/01/2025 16:32

Haven't experienced this at all.

Ponoka7 · 17/01/2025 16:32

I haven't found that. My family have reported getting more jokes aimed their way, like the shop keeper insisting on them taking their change because " you are from a poor country", or asking if they have figured in seeing a doctor/dentist into their holiday, as a treat. Where are you? Perhaps your self depreciation is annoying them.

zzplex · 17/01/2025 16:31

Didn't someone else post the same topic a few weeks ago?

UmbrellaEllaEllaElla · 17/01/2025 16:30

I havent noticed this when travelling in Europe. Is it possible youre feeling self-conscious around it all?

Dillydollydingdong · 17/01/2025 16:29

You're taking too much notice of what the newspapers say. And anyway, tourist areas rely and depend on what we spend. If we didn't go there and spend our money, these places wouldn't survive. I was watching a programme the other day about fishermen who were saying now there aren't as many visitors to eat the fish he catches, he can't sell it and his family are suffering.

2dogsandabudgie · 17/01/2025 16:29

In what way does it feel hostile?