People from other countries - they’re just better than us, aren’t they?

[PebbleDashedDoor]

I’m on holiday in the Balkans and like everytime I go overseas, it’s difficult not to conclude people from other countries are just better than us.

Immaculately kept, litter free, great service in bars and restaurants by experienced staff, polite well behaved kids eating out in restaurants, not a screen in sight. Everyone generally better looking, better dressed.

Or do I have rose tinted holiday goggles on?

I don't think anyone has the monopoly on it.
Scandinavians have Jante Law, which is pretty much the same.

I always think the Brits abroad reputation is a bit unfair. We holidayed in Italy and there were lots of very rowdy Spaniards there. I'm plenty of other places too.

I think the Brits abroad rep in part comes from rowdy Brits mingling with rowdy Spaniards.

Well they might be better than you…

And to....the OP. Do you know what thread you are on.

Come on, I’d love to agree but we do have an issue with that.

No the OP thinks there is no litter in other countries and that everyone is better looking. You specifically said everyone in restaurants glares at you.

No the OP titled her thread: people from other countries - they are just better than us aren't they.

She then wrote as an example: better service in bars

Did you miss where she wrote "great service in bars and restaurants"

Yes. You're one of those people who go one holiday for a week or so sit in the sun outside bar or something and spend time sightseeing and think that's how everyone in that country lives.

It's like Americans who visit the Cotswolds and think everyone in England live in thatched cottages and spend all the time enjoying cream teas.

I think a lot of the different nationalities complaining about other nationalities behaviour is explained by differing rules of politeness. What the British see as the French being rude is in reality the French reacting to what they see as the British being rude ie being far too casual or not interacting at all.

The French have quite formal ideas of politeness. When entering a shop eg. . you must say eg ( Bonjour) Messieurs, Mesdames etc) to the other people waiting or the people behind the counter. If you don't you will get a cool reaction.

When speaking to someone you don't know, or when being introduced, you shake hands etc.

We are very casual in comparison and risk causing offence where we intend none.

I agree with this. People often think my mother is rude because she doesn't do much please or thank you but they're just not used nearly as much in her native language. Her English is pretty good but she's translating in her head from how she'd say things in her own language.

Not sure the Balkans is the best example given the relatively recent wars and ethnic cleansing, OP!!

There is a very low number on offer - I recall the figure 5% vs 25% in Germany. Whether that was young people taking part or employers offering them my menopause-addled brain does not recall.

The OP clearly hasn't been to places like Egypt, The Gambia, Jamaica nor Kenya

I've been to them all. Had utterly fabulous times. Everybody kind and helpful.
Travelled solo.

Life is what you make it.

I have lived and worked in a number of different countries for periods of several years and believe me, everywhere has their problems. There are a lot of good things about the UK. even while we have some obvious problems which need addressing.

I know. One pops up every few months or so, wailing about other counties (any country really but preferably one in Europe) being superior in every way. I’d love to know the psychology behind it.

England is a tough county. Not due to money. Financially it is doing better than other countries. That's a blessing.

What I find tough is the coldness of the people in Enlgland. I visited Scotland, Ireland and Italy this year. In every one of those countries people were friendly and kind. I came back to England and I was really sad at how cold everyone was here again

yes, just coming today from Bamber ...Steyning....it was totally gorgeous, clean, historic houses, roses everywhere, some lovely music festival to a decent size, families with normal kids

I was in Ireland last month. The man in the bar in Dublin Airport chatted away to me. I went down to where I was staying. The woman in the local shop heard me sneezing and said "ah do you have the sniffles you poor pet " then she started chatting away about the weather and other things.

I came back to England and went to my local co op. I said "it's a lovely day isn't it". The woman behind the till (behind a screen) just glared at me. I don't think anyone in that shop has ever said hello to me.

The coldness is icy.

Been there! We stayed in pigeon ford, 8 lanes of traffic going nowhere. A brilliant base for walking or driving from

I cannot understand this about the UK, especially England....the other nations within Britain are self proud....seems the English culture is under attack

Strange opinion and very sad. How awful to have such bad self esteem that you think all other peoples are better than you.

There is good and bad in all countries, I'm sure the Balkans are generally very lovely but on the whole aren't they more right wing and racist than us here in the U.K.

This is a wonderful country full of interesting customs, history, and cultural talents. Our pop music has always been better than most. Obviously there are some problems here, as there are everywhere, but we have so much here that has been great and could be again.

Small anecdote, the other day I was on a train and struggling to get up with a coffee in my hand and put on my rucksack. The man opposite said let me hold your coffee, I handed it to him, arranged myself, thanked him and left the train. This sort of thing happens often. In general most people are really lovely in my experience.

I mean he didn't kill himself there did he. I would have held your coffee if you were struggling.

What I find cold is how cold and icy many shop/bar/restaurant workers are in England. They are cold. I said hello to a barman last week and he glared at me

You claim that not all Spanish, French, Italians are the same, but the English are.