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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To thoroughly enjoy being Welsh

205 replies

ByseddSosij · 02/08/2017 01:13

....it's my first language but am baffled by tourists asking if we have our own currency Confused do people not do their research before visiting a country?

OP posts:
BoysofMelody · 02/08/2017 01:28

Well done. How does one enjoy being Welsh? Surely you have nothing to compare it to?

It's hardly a massive achievement being Welsh, it is after all a sheer accident of birth.

Did you run down stair one morning and say 'Mum, Dad, I've done it, I'm Welsh!!!' And did they respond 'well done Byseed, you've worked really hard at that: You really put some hard graft into becoming Welsh.'

Zamnlove · 02/08/2017 01:31

I love being welsh. ❤️

Sn0tnose · 02/08/2017 01:34

My DH is Welsh. There's a sense of patriotism which the English just don't seem to have and it's lovely to see. Watching you (obviously, not you personally, that would just be weird) belt out your national anthem is glorious. Your country is beautiful and some places are just breath taking. It's taken some getting used to the friendliness, but that's growing on me. The banter is brilliant fun and my Welsh speaking in laws treat me with kindness when I assault their ears with my beginners Welsh.

Mind you, you do all seem utterly convinced that you're born with fire in your blood, poetry in your soul, and that you're better at rugby than the English 😉

Cocklodger · 02/08/2017 02:12

YANBU but I dislike being welsh.
I wish I was English because it's awkward being called English when really people mean British. Hearing about "English" laws and the way things happen in "England" and when the EDL flobs on about "keeping Britain English" Hmm (ok then Wales will just sail off over the horizon taking the Severn bridge with it in that case?).
I might be over sensitive to this as I live overseas and no one has yet grasped that British and English isn't mutually exclusive.

TinklyLittleLaugh · 02/08/2017 02:17

To be born Welsh is to be born priviliged. Not with a silver spoon in your mouth but with music in your blood and poetry in your soul.

I love being Welsh.

Sn0tnose · 02/08/2017 02:20

Tinkly Bugger, I thought it was fire in the blood! MN needs an edit button.

Northernpowerhouse · 02/08/2017 02:27

I was born and raised in Wales but have lived in England for 30 years. I am proud to be welsh and always feel a strong sense of belonging when I return. Sadly, it is unlikely I will ever live there again as my family is here now in England.

SharkAdvocate · 02/08/2017 02:40

Are you proud to be white too?

I don't understand the thread.

Tapandgo · 02/08/2017 02:54

Weird thread. How do you enjoy being a nationality? You just happen to be Welsh surely? It doesn't bring extra fun/jokes/parties or rib tickling events does it?

alittlepieceofme · 02/08/2017 03:07

I love being Welsh too! I think it's definitely a Welsh thing, I'm always proud to tell people where I'm from and about the beautiful place where I live! (By the sea) 😊

NaiceHam · 02/08/2017 03:11

"I love being Welsh too! I think it's definitely a Welsh thing"

Yes. Definitely. Only the Welsh love being Welsh.

Lots of others love being where they're from though.

To thoroughly enjoy being Welsh
Tapandgo · 02/08/2017 03:14

a little piece
Being proud of your countries achievements, history, beauty, distinctive culture etc is different from 'enjoying' being a certain nationality - surely?

supermoon100 · 02/08/2017 04:28

I do not understand patriotism. A bit too close to nationalism for my liking. Who cares where you were born. It causes more problems than religion.

FatCatFaces · 02/08/2017 04:40

English patriotism is generally frowned upon because of the knuckle draggers. If I see anyone brandishing an England flag I do not think good thoughts.

I consider myself British, was born and raised in England but also have Scottish and Welsh heritage. I'm neither proud nor ashamed. It's just who I am and where I'm from.

It's common for people not to research where they are going in holiday. Loads of Brits think Dubai is a country.

Dixiestamp · 02/08/2017 06:38

I enjoy being Welsh too, OP. I can't believe how many times I had to explain what/where Wales was when I was on holiday in America; 'is it part of London?'...yeah, close...I gave up in the end!

donajimena · 02/08/2017 06:46

shark I can assure you that plenty of immigrants in our capital city are every bit as proud to be Welsh as errr 'white' people.
You are making a massive assumption there that its about skin colour.

Holly6474 · 02/08/2017 06:51

I'm Welsh. I find the maniacal patriotism a bit cringy tbh.

Ifailed · 02/08/2017 06:57

Nothing wrong with being proud of your roots, wherever you are from.

When people keep banging on about it and telling everyone how wonderful it is and making disparaging comparisons to other places, then it gets tedious and goads others to join in about how great their place is.

DonaldStott · 02/08/2017 07:29

I thoroughly enjoy a nice meal and a a glass of wine. I don't understand how you can thoroughly enjoy being a nationality.

Do you wake up with a big grin on your face saying 'I'm welsh I am', then walk round all day singing the anthem or reciting poetry which is apparently in your blood.

I kind of get being proud of where you come from although I am not patriotic. But to thoroughly enjoy it?

SharkAdvocate · 02/08/2017 07:35

donajimena

My point wasn't that Welsh people can only be white, simply that Nationalism tends to be a bad thing. It comes down to luck of birth, the same with skin colour.

I know your capital well. I used to have to lecture in it. Fucking horrible place. Admittedly it's better than many other places in Wales shudders at the memory of Newport, Swansea and Rhyl. I still remember seeing a pub in Splott with a 'No English' sign in the window.

MissionItsPossible · 02/08/2017 07:37

My DH is Welsh. There's a sense of patriotism which the English just don't seem to have and it's lovely to see

Probably going by some of the comments on this thread. Welsh patriotism = good. English patriotism = bad.

Notagainmun · 02/08/2017 07:40

I am Welsh but describe myself as British first. I hate the arrogance of some Welsh people, I say some, before everyone starts wailing. There are lots who actively hate the English, it is appalling to hear them talk about the Saes (English). Sometimes I am ashamed to be Welsh. Only Welsh people care about being Welsh, yes be patriotic but we are no more special to the rest of the world than any other British nation.

UrsulaPandress · 02/08/2017 07:44

Dragon Butter is the best.

don't google

Trills · 02/08/2017 08:00

"I think it's definitely a Welsh thing"
Yes. Definitely. Only the Welsh love being Welsh.
:o @NaiceHam

I don't think I "get" patriotism. You think your country is the best. Because you were born there. But lots of other people think this about their country. Statistically speaking, you're probably wrong. (even if there is any such thing as "the true best").

Descriptions of having to explain what Wales is, that it's not England, but you do share currency and laws - is that enjoyable?

Trills · 02/08/2017 08:05

I can think of some things that you can enjoy doing as a Welsh person that nobody else gets to do to the same degree, but they are not "explaining that Wales is a country".

For example:
Switching language when you want to gossip about someone non-Welsh
Cwtching
Belting out "Bread of Heaven"
Hot Welsh cakes
Wearing a vegetable on your lapel and not getting funny looks