An American woman who relocated to the UK shared her insights on the surprising aspects of British culture that differ from the US. Brianna Sky Morton and her partner have been exploring traditional British cuisine and documenting their experiences on their TikTok page, Morton’s Munchies. Aside from food reviews, they have been highlighting the significant cultural disparities encountered since their move.
In a recent revelation, Brianna listed activities she finds normal in the UK but believes would raise suspicion in America. She expressed her contentment with living in the UK, emphasizing the freedom to walk extensively due to the picturesque surroundings. Brianna contrasted the acceptance of walking in the UK with the skepticism it garners in certain areas of the US, recalling encounters with law enforcement questioning her motives for walking both during the day and at night.
Moreover, she noted that wearing a hood while walking is more socially acceptable in the UK compared to the US, where it may be perceived as suspicious behavior. Brianna also highlighted the difference in grocery shopping habits between the two countries, explaining that making a small purchase in the UK is commonplace but could raise concerns in America.
Regarding safety perceptions, Brianna remarked that she feels more at ease leaving her belongings unattended in public spaces in the UK than in the US, where such actions could prompt a heightened security response. She also pointed out the cultural distinction in greetings, mentioning that the casual “you alright?” in the UK may cause confusion in America, where a more direct inquiry about one’s well-being is common.
In addition, Brianna observed the politeness of Brits when it comes to removing shoes before entering a home, highlighting the hygienic and comfort-related reasons behind this practice. While this custom is widespread in various cultures, she noted that it is less prevalent in American households, where guests are not typically expected to remove their shoes.
Overall, Brianna’s experiences shed light on the nuanced cultural differences between the UK and the US, from everyday activities to social norms and etiquette.