The strange case of a Brit. One of my closest friends sent me a description of what it means to be British.
Being British, I found it hilarious, mainly because it’s absolutely true.
Apparently, one of the British national daily newspapers asked its readers that question,
“What does it means to be British?”
Many of the replies were inventive, funny and not too complimentary, but this one from a man in Switzerland takes the cake. He wrote,
“Being British is about driving in a German car to an Irish pub for a Belgium beer.
Then travelling home, grabbing an Indian curry, or a Turkish Kebab, on the way, to
sit on Swedish furniture, and watch American shows on a Japanese TV. He buys a
holiday home in Spain, he skis in France, he fancies Swedish birds(girls) and has a Romanian au-pair working in his house.
And the most British thing of all.
He has an overwhelming suspicion of anything foreign.”
There have been many attempts to describe what being British means, but this has to be one of the best. The only thing I can think of, that this description leaves out, is a quality, which infuriates some people, impresses others, and is detrimental to the individual. That quality is not taking yourself too seriously. It can be self-effacing, it can be seen as timid or lacking in self-confidence, it can be seen as weak, and it can be detrimental in a world where brashness is the norm.
I have often been asked what the difference is between a British sales approach and that of an American salesman, both in a foreign environment. I make no excuse for this obviously biased answer, but it does contain an element of truth, and it speaks to the self-effacing element of the British character.
The British salesman will say, “this is our experience so can we work together to see how much of it relates to your environment”. An American salesman will say, “if you will kindly stand aside and learn, this is how its done properly”. Unfair, certainly. True, some of the time.
I trust you don’t mind me sharing it with you. Maybe I needed some comic relief after weeks of the U.S. Election chaos.
In any case, enjoy the strange case of a Brit.
