Things I adore about the USA and Americans

[PermanentTemporary]

No special reason... and it doesn't have to be things other people all agree with.

We're planning a holiday there in a couple of years to see some family so the wonderfulness of the USA is particularly on my mind. But am just thinking about how much I love it.

I'll bring up Senator George Mitchell, who gave years of his life to somehow bring the best out of every politician in Northern Ireland and made it possible for the Good Friday Agreement to be made.

I'll bring up American health care. Because although I don't want to change our system to theirs, the fact is that if you either have good insurance or nothing at all, you can have the best care in the world.

And the Grand Canyon. Not sure I've ever been speechless the way I was the first time I saw it.

I'm wondering if we can drop in to see some distant cousins of my partner's who live in Ohio. We've met once at a wedding. Of all the countries in the world, we can be pretty sure that they will be welcoming and happy to see us. ❤️

I love going to the US, I love the way they love our accents.

My Dad lived in North Carolina in the early 50's and loved it.
He stayed friends, until his death 55 years later, with his close work colleagues, and they became our surrogate 'uncles' when we were born, writing and visiting regularly.
Absolutely wonderful, gentle, funny, kind hearted people. There was something really gracious and calm about them, especially that soft, soothing accent.
Hearing about their lives was so interesting, very different from ours!
They sent us all birthday and Christmas presents every year, which was unbelievably generous as there were 6 of us kids.
I'm obviously biased, but when I think of Americans I base it on the ones I've known, and of that kind of generosity, thoughtful considered speech and authenticity.
Also, what a country - the geography, weather, scale of it, distinct characteristics of each state, like many different countries under one umbrella. It's quite awe inspiring really.

The Americans I know seem to have a total lack of social nuance/layers - it’s fascinating! I sometimes wonder whether autistic people have less struggles there than in Britain where everything said has at least 4 different sometimes simulateous meanings.

I love the fact that the most powerful country in the world is a democracy. I also love Disneyland, Universal Studios, Californian beaches and sequoia trees, especially Sequoia National Park. In fact I like all the USA national parks which I've visited.

Friendliness, so keen to help us with directions. Happy to chat.

Bus drivers waiting patiently for people to load their bikes on the front of the bus and allowing people with buggies time to get on and be settled before driving off. They were also very friendly, chatting to us and regular bus users.

The politeness of waiting staff in restaurants. Nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble.

The beauty of the countryside.

That's how I feel. There's a warmth and genuine kindness that's hard to describe.

Another vote for the American people - just lovely and friendly and decent.

I also enjoyed the roadside motels and great food.

I’ve never been to America but I’ve worked with quite a few Americans and they’ve always been really straightforward and pleasant. I will caveat this by adding that our only contact is via Teams meetings and they might be horrible in real life, but hopefully not!

I’ve always wanted to visit the USA, it’s not possible for me right now but I’ll make it there one day!

Oh I love American lightweight cop and mystery shows and sci fi, I hardly watch anything of that sort from the UK (I'm Irish so UK and US stuff are equally 'foreign') and constantly loop through NCIS and linked shows, Bones, Castle, Rizzoli and Isles, Star Trek, Stargate, Babylon 5, X files etc etc.

Currently watching Eureka.

I was fortunate enough to have done Camp America 5 years in a row with pretty extensive travelling after each time, and was just amazed at the differences between States, and that some of the most beautiful places in the world are there. I think I was a bit ignorant as films etc always seem to show certain states and particular imagery etc, my first thoughts of the US always used to be LA, NYC etc but wow some places are just stunning. The people were all friendly. I loved road tripping down what was Route 66.

I like high school brass bands- esp in the Disneyland parade.

In a lot of areas just the attitude, the sense of freedom and possibility, the ‘can do’ attitude and pioneering spirit.

Friendly, generous people. The way they celebrate success and encourage achievement.

I have only been to NYC, three times, but the landscapes I see on the tv make me dumbstruck with wonder.

Americans smile at strangers in a way that most cultures do not.

and the abundance of wildlife in the US, my god!

I love American garages that have massive washing machines and tumble driers and smell divine from the washing powder.

Oh absolutely. Speaking to her even in text is like getting a hug. Very open with emotions too, which I think more people could benefit from. Texas sweetness.

Nobody hates you. They’re just jealous 😉!

Sociable, friendly people. The Americans I've met (usually outside of the US because I've tended to meet them while travelling) have all been lovely. Invites to visit them in the US have been totally genuine!

Food (especially from overseas) was amazing. I had no idea mexican food could be like that. The number of restaurants we randomly wondered into and had great experiences was amazing.

Landscape - just staggering. I recommend the coastal route up California. Untouched deserted beaches of white sand, redwood forests, random mad shops and little towns and weird places you just find next to the road that aren't on the map.

People. Everyone has that shiny TV personality like they could just audition for a sitcom at any moment, everyone! Maybe the shy people all stay at home because we didn't meet anyone who wasn't personable and helpful.

I've never been, but I have made biscuits and gravy at home and love it.

I love everyone’s self-confidence! In the UK we are embarrassed to be proud of ourselves. It’s not healthy.

I had lots of American friends at uni, loved them all. So much fun! And I loved how much they loved Scotland.

Also, nice thread OP!
Makes a change from the usual.
And, their bounce-back spirit is amazing. Incredible resilience and positivity seem to be qualities of the Americans I've known. Infectious to be around 🙂
Would love to be out there one year for my birthday (4th July) as it's usually pissing down in Britain and the fireworks would be nice 😀

It’s because it’s a country of immigrants. Everyone’s accustomed to there being little room for subtlety.

I love America and Americans too, they have a lovely confidence and generosity in my experience. I love the friendliness.

I also love a lot of American TV shows and books.

The quality of their mid-market food options was a really nice surprise when I visited a few years ago too. Obviously they are the home of McDonald's, Subway etc, but they do the next level up really well. Brilliant breakfasts.

Will also add their joy and excitement for special occasions and seasons! Halloween! Autumn! Christmas! My friend genuinely loves these things, and the glow that comes off her when she's baking pumpkin pie and making decorations is just beautiful. I defy anyone to sneer at it! I walk away beaming.

Going to go and call her now. This thread has reminded me how lucky I am to know her!

I don’t think anyone in Britain hates Americans. People have strong feeling about American politics but we have our own political mess ups so we know that isn’t about ordinary Americans. Americans generally are great.