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This is an interesting blog entry about what Brits shouldn't do in America; it's expanding its view to be European, but really, some parts feel British - especially the ones about understatement, and embellishing travel experiences.*
I especially like the following one. I must admit that I have frequently fallen into that pit - not in personal contact, but with online acquaintances.
Okay, dear assorted Americans on my flist, I am glad we cleared that one up. You are not insane, and I am allowed to keep talking to you.**
*I shudder at the mere memory of the horror tales of insects in Malawi told by a certain British ex-missionary vicar couple.
**Yes, over here, doctors hesitate much more to prescribe antidepressants, and taking them infers that something is very much not all right with that person. Even if you have to take them, you'd never admit to it to semi-strangers like colleagues or online acquaintances. I don't want to go into the reason why each side of the Atlantic ocean does what it does; let's just say it's cultural, and knowing about the cultural difference makes sure you don't walk into that particular trap. I didn't know about it, up to right now.
I especially like the following one. I must admit that I have frequently fallen into that pit - not in personal contact, but with online acquaintances.
6. [[Do Not]] Assume that anyone who is on some kind of anti-depressant or who has been on one/several is insane and that you shouldn't talk to them.
Medication, and anti-depressants in particular, are pretty near popular culture in America, and loads of people have taken them. Be aware too that most Americans are fascinated by the effects of anti-depressants, and will happily talk about multiple types of drugs and their benefits/side-effects with great interest and relish. If someone tells you an experience about their time on Prozac, ask something like "did it help?" and then share a similar experience of a time when you were really depressed.
Okay, dear assorted Americans on my flist, I am glad we cleared that one up. You are not insane, and I am allowed to keep talking to you.**
*I shudder at the mere memory of the horror tales of insects in Malawi told by a certain British ex-missionary vicar couple.
**Yes, over here, doctors hesitate much more to prescribe antidepressants, and taking them infers that something is very much not all right with that person. Even if you have to take them, you'd never admit to it to semi-strangers like colleagues or online acquaintances. I don't want to go into the reason why each side of the Atlantic ocean does what it does; let's just say it's cultural, and knowing about the cultural difference makes sure you don't walk into that particular trap. I didn't know about it, up to right now.
