-Dutch tourist remarking on the English
Countdown: 12 days
In preparation for my time in London, (rather than packing) I've decided to read up on the behaviour (with a 'u'!) of the English. So far, I've learned a few helpful facts from Kate Fox's "Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour."
1) There is a correct and incorrect way to eat your peas. Depending on one's social status, different rules for pea-eating are prescribed. If you are upper class or upper middle class, you are expected to show your gentility by eating your peas only after smooshing them on the back of your fork with your knife. If you are lower class, however, you could chase your peas with your fork and scoop them up.
I usually just stab my peas with my fork rather ungracefully. I wonder what that says about me. I guess we'll find out soon enough!
2) It is inappropriate to introduce yourself by name or to ask the name of your conversation partner when first meeting in a public social setting. This information should only be brought up in casual discussion and should seem inconsequential. If the name exchange does not take place throughout the conversation and it is time to part ways, it is then acceptable to fumble, saying "Nice to meet you, er... I didn't catch your name."
As a Dutch visitor remarked in the book, "Oh, I see. It is like Alice Through the Looking Glass: you do everything the wrong way round." I like this quote and observation.
Though I'm not sure I can manage all the new rules of etiquette right away, I think it might be about time to step through this "looking glass" and do things a little differently.
Cheers!
Carrie
