10 Signs You’ve Lived in the UK For Too Long

When you move to the UK, it’s inevitable to experience a little bit of culture shock at first. Once you’ve lived here for a while though, you might start to notice that day by day you’re becoming a little bit more British.

From starting to use certain British phrases in your conversations to changing your preference from coffee to tea, day by day the British way of life seeps in. So what are the warning signs that you might have been living in the UK too long?

1) You apologise for everything!

Sorry seems to be the hardest word? Not in the UK! When someone bumps into you and you say, “Sorry,” you know that the British love of politeness has seeped into your DNA. Next thing, you’re apologising left, right, and centre, not even realising you’re doing it. Being polite is a reflex for most Brits and maintains the British decorum we all know and love.

2) You’ve swapped “trash” for “rubbish”

Without even realising it, you start saying “cheers” instead of “thank you,” “hiya” instead of “hey,” and “knackered” when you’re tired. You might even describe someone as being “fussy” or “cheeky,” despite never using those words before. Over time, it just becomes natural; you just might struggle explaining what being “fussy” means to your family and friends back home.

3) Queuing becomes second nature

The great British queue is almost a national sport. If you find yourself standing in line instinctively, then you’ve definitely picked up this quintessentially British habit. Sometimes Brits join a queue, just because they think there must be something good at the end of it! Either way being able to queue shows a certain level of patience and order, just don’t be tempted to queue jump!

4) You mastered the art of the “tut”

When someone breaks those unspoken queuing rules, you don’t call them out directly, but instead express you’re disapproval with a sharp “tut” and a raised eyebrow. Most British people don’t tend to like confrontation, so in this situation you’ll often find collective tutting and people looking around with a “Did you see that?” expression! It’s a little passive aggressive. put a British habit that shows you’re pretty much a native.

5) You make small talk about the weather

Making small talk about the weather is a very British trait. When people come across a stranger it’s pretty common to hear, “It’s a bit chilly today isn’t it?” or “Those clouds don’t look good, do they?” Often times, it’s just polite British filler to avoid an uncomfortable silence. When you’ve lived in the UK a while, you’ll probably find the weather becomes your default small talk topic with strangers at the bus stop, at the gym, or in the lift (elevator!)

6) You have strong opinions about tea and biscuits

Tea is a national institution in the UK and something you’ll probably grow opinions on quickly. Milky or strong? Sugar or not? Then, the biggest decision, which biscuits to dunk with your hot cup of tea. Maybe you’re a traditional who likes the Digestive, perhaps you prefer an oatie Hobnob, or you may like to live on the edge with a Jaffa Cake! Whatever your personal preferences, tea becomes part of your daily routine.

7) You never accept the first offer

British manners have a rhythm all their own. When someone offers to buy you a beer or tea and cake, you politely refuse the first time, “Oh, no, I shouldn’t…” Then, when they insist, you give in with an, “Oh, go on then.” It’s like a little British manners dance that goes back and forth, that is really saying, I don’t want to cause you any hassle, but I would really love cake.

8) Your voice cadence has changed

Apart from your word choices changing, the cadence of your voice will also become more British. You pause differently, inflect words another way, maybe even pick up a softer “British lilt.” When you go home, your friends say you sound different. When you’re in the UK, you sound foreign again. It’s a strange in-between, but also the surest sign that you’ve been in the UK a while.

9) You don’t leave the house without an umbrella

The British weather is notoriously unpredictable, with sunshine one minute and torrential rain the next. Watching the weather forecast becomes a daily habit as you plan what to wear and whether an afternoon hike or family BBQ is a good idea or not. Even if its warm and sunny outside, you’ll still pause at the door and think, “Have I got my brolly?” Once you reach that point, congratulations, you’re officially one of us.

10) You master escalator etiquette

Spend enough time in the UK and you’ll soon learn the unspoken escalator rule: stand on the right, walk on the left. It keeps everything moving smoothly, especially in busy stations. Before long, you’ll catch yourself doing it instinctively, even when you’re nowhere near the London Underground.

Conclusion

Living in the UK changes you in small ways at first, then before you know it you’re ticking all the boxes on our top 10 list as you’ve been in the country for so long. From offering a polite sorry, to advocating for your favourite British biscuit, and making sure you’re armed with an umbrella every time you step out of the door, you’re becoming more British every day. But, you’ll definitely keep some of your native quirks too.