Americans are so emotionally demonstrative. This ain't no criticism folks, it's just an observation.
Take a peek at Gently Ferals story about the Xmas tree, lovely stuff but zilch response from us hard-hearted Brits. Oozy stuff from the US!
This follows through on most threads that are full of lovey stuff, hugs and kisses, you know:((((((((HUGS))))))))but it is very USA, don't see much of that on British posts.
Maybe we're all emotionally constipated over here. Maybe our stiff upper lips need to be loosened up a little.
Do not despair Englishman, but where I come from (The Netherlands originally) they are very much the same as in England. The Dutch do not show as much emotion either. Perhaps it has to do with a feeling of nationalism and belonging to a country. When you look at people from Greece, Spain, Italy, South America and the like; they show more immediate affection...is it because of their tight knit family structure? The feeling of nationalism in the USA is very profound and additionally it is a country made of all races, religion, families who have learned and received a freedom which they only acquired in the United States and as a result become very much attached to that country. This is how I see it, but then I am only one opinion...
You should come downunder, mate. We don't have any pretensions here and we'll soon cure you of your reserve. Oh, you'll love the cures we have lined up for the reserved class!
Cheers, Ozzie
"It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
We only have so many minutes in our lives, E. When I look back at the end of mine, I intend to see that I spent them enjoyably and well. If a minute of my life is passing, and while it's here I have the opportunity to be hugging or touching somebody I love, or to be speaking words of encouragement to them, you best believe I'm not going to let the chance get by me.
I agree that the Brits are more reserved than we Americans. We are big huggers, for the most part. I live in a very Scandinavian area, and they are more reserved too. My background is English and Irish, and a bit of American Indian thrown in for good measure, and our family have long been demonstrative, in the hugging department. Three hundred years of Americanization, perhaps?
