American in the UK shares verdict about Brits after hearing two common phrases

It's quite common for our American friends to tick off a few places in Europe when they make a trip across the pond. Americans who make the trip to the UK get to try our British culture like the pub or even sink their teeth into a portion of fish and chips.

Now one traveller who recently made their first trip outside the US which was a solo adventure to London revealed what their experience made them realise about British people. The person spoke about how they often hear people say "the British are so rude" but now they wanted to dispel this myth with a little anecdote.

Sharing on Reddit in a post which garnered 4,000 upvotes and 1,200 comments, they began: "I was terrified as I'd never left the US before – my parents were the type who never had passports, or any interest in leaving the US, and I was out to buck the generational trend.

• 10 fruit trees that can be grown in pots and are 'ideal for small gardens' and balconies
• Plane passenger fumes after man sits in seat and asks cocky six-word question

"True to the stereotype, I was met with (perceived) rudeness, curtness, and shortness. I had chosen the UK thinking it would be an stress-free way to test the waters of international travel.

"But my perceived reception, combined with jet lag and a splitting migraine, made me feel that perhaps I'd made a grave mistake coming to England."

After taking a long shower and enjoying a nap, the traveller decided to visit Prezzo for some food. The American made it their mission to not be passive aggressive but to critically observe how others were acting.

"I pretended I was an alien from another planet, and really honed in on this," they added. "And then it hit me: 'Brits are not rude, you just aren't saying please and thank you'.

"Maybe that's oversimplifying it a bit, but in America, that's considered an extra bit of politeness, not a cultural norm. Skipping over those words isn't rude in the US: we're a busy bunch, and prefer to get straight to the point.

"However, when you go to other countries, you have to make adjustments or you will offend people! This also means saying 'hello' and 'goodbye' versus just walking into Nero and rattling off your order."

Further along in the post, the American finally realised actually Brits are some of the "nicest and kindest people on the planet" and it's even inspired them to move here.

They continued: "And the UK feels more like home to me than America does.

"I've now been more times than I can count, and I am even beginning to look into pathways to move there permanently... sadly I am too far removed to claim citizenship by descent, so will need to find another pathway...

"So yeah, in conclusion, if you get a frosty reception in Britain, look in the mirror. And if a fellow American tells you how RUDE the Brits are, now you know how they treat people when they travel."

In the comments section, one said: "I agree, I always thought it was a huge stereotype of Brits that they are too polite if anything, too much saying sorry or not saying what they mean for fear of offending someone."

Another added: "Ya I was surprised Brits of all people were considered rude lol. They are some of the politest and nicest people I have met."