An American expatriate residing in London has openly discussed three quintessentially British habits that he once found off-putting but has since wholeheartedly adopted. After several years of living in the United Kingdom, this individual has experienced a significant cultural shift, embracing behaviours he previously deemed peculiar.
From Bristol to London: A Cultural Journey
K Jordy, originally from the United States, initially settled in Bristol upon moving to the UK and now calls London home. He has built a successful career as a vlogger, creating humorous content about British life that entertains his audience. In a recent TikTok video, he candidly shared the British habits he has unconsciously incorporated into his own life, admitting that living in the UK has fundamentally changed him.
"These are top British things I thought were icky as hell, but now I lowkey do," he stated at the beginning of his video, setting the stage for his revelations.
Adding Kisses to Text Messages
The first habit involves the common British practice of appending one or two 'x's—symbolising kisses—to the end of text messages. Initially, Jordy saw no purpose in this custom, but he has come to appreciate its role in softening digital communication.
"I didn't really think there was a point of doing it, but then I started doing it, I start realising it just eases the text," he explained. "British maths, innit." In the UK and Ireland, this gesture is widely used to convey affection, friendliness, or a warm, casual sign-off, making messages appear less formal or cold.
The Reserved Half-Smile
Next, Jordy highlighted the "tight lip half smile" that Brits often offer when passing strangers on the street. This subtle, reserved facial expression serves as a non-intrusive way to acknowledge others without engaging in full conversation.
"I vowed not to do it, but now I walk down the street and I see someone, it just creeps out," he admitted, demonstrating the half-smile in his video. This behaviour, often subconscious, reflects the British preference for polite but distant social interactions in public spaces.
Discussing the Weather
The third habit, which Jordy described as the most lamentable, is the pervasive British tendency to talk about the weather. He now understands that weather discussions are integral to social interactions in the UK, influencing people's moods and daily activities.
"And last but not least, and I'm the most sad about this, but the weather has become my personality," he confessed. He noted that whether the weather is bad or good, it becomes a natural topic of conversation. For instance, when temperatures recently reached 18 degrees Celsius in London, people wore t-shirts and shorts, appearing more cheerful. Conversely, when conditions returned to normal the following day, everyone reverted to their usual demeanour.
"When the weather's that influential, you almost have to talk about it," he concluded, acknowledging the weather's central role in British social life.
Through his experiences, Jordy illustrates how immersion in a new culture can lead to the adoption of local customs, even those initially perceived as strange. His story resonates with many expatriates who navigate the complexities of cultural adaptation while maintaining their unique perspectives.
