What behaviour British people hate the most?

[marie2020]

Hello

I am a foreigner and I am willing to know what is not accepted or may sound rude to British people, or things that foreigners do or say that British find odd.

Thank you

Yup, Watching the English is great

Talking about sex/bodily functions as if it's totally normal. Without blushing! Or sounding awkward!

Cringe

Don't ask about salaries.

Don't talk to strangers kids and certainly no ruffling of kids hairs . No jumping in front especially when a bus pulls up . Bragging if you go on and on about how amazing DC are to other mums they will most likely laugh at you behind your back .

Overconfidence

Loud, talkative, boastful, compliments.

Agree with all of these, especially queue jumping, and saying sorry/pls/Thank you. But I think quite a lot of them are perhaps not as applicable to younger people

Honest expression of emotion seems to appal the English the most, in my experience. Try bursting into tears when talking about something that moves you.

'Watching the English' by Kate Fox - second this as a brilliant read which will tell you all you want to know!

Watch the apprentice and basically just don't do anything they do

Standing too close in a queue. I once had a woman so close her big boobs were touching my back 😱 and when I shot her a dirty look (obviously I didn't say anything, I'm English) she had the nerve to ask what my problem was!!

Watching the English is £1.99 on kindle. I've just bought it!

I feel this is quite specific but British people are uncomfortable giving a negative opinion about something to someone’s face. So for example you’ve been invited to dinner and when you’re there you realise either you don’t like what has been served or it doesn’t taste great, Brits would never ever tell the host whereas other nationalities have no problem saying this. I’m british living abroad and it makes me die inside when someone does it.

Don't talk about money, how much you earn etc.

Actively trying to make friends is a good one, and a nightmare for a foreigner when they arrive and need to make friends I imagine!
I live abroad and I opened a door for three people the other day in a shop. Not a single soul said thank you or even acknowledged my existence...needless to say, even after 7 years here, my English sense of righteousness on this was dying to bubble to the surface!
We are also known for being "reserved"..I personally think this is because of the privacy thing. For example, nothing sends most English people into a tizz than an acquaintance randomly knocking at the door. All social interactions that aren't very close family and friends must be prearranged! Social spontaneity is very much discouraged!

Don't talk to strangers kids and certainly no ruffling of kids hairs Really? I love when people chat to my kids in the supermarket, for example.

Definitely more pleases and thank you a than you'd think is necessary!

Like if someone asks if you'd like a cup of tea, if you don't want one it's considered the height of rudeness to just say "no", you have to say "no, thank you" (the thank you is for them asking if you'd like one!)

• If you don't have a sense of humour or take yourself too seriously.

• Being direct and to the point in your face. It's a class thing. Outspokenness is associated with the working and upper classes.

• When someone asks 'how are you' on the school run or at work, never, ever respond by complaining about how hard your life is, how difficult your dc are or how frustrated you are with your job. It comes across as rude and self centred. People have their own issues and do not want to hear you bleating on about how tough you have it with your particular child or boss.

• Queue jumping and general entitlement.

• Being openly proud of bragging about your husband's or dc's achievements. There is a way of mentioning these things without coming across like a show off.

• Being a misery guts. Be easy going and don't take yourself too seriously.

Can't believe no one has mentioned not thanking drivers when they let you out. Grrr

Can't believe no one has mentioned not thanking drivers when they let you out. Grrr

Or when someone has held a door open for you. In which case you have to say YOU'RE WELCOME in a passive aggressive manner.