SORRY, WHAT?
The 7 things I’ve noticed about Brits since moving abroad – including the word we always say and our stand-out fashion
And why small talk about the weather is just not the same
THERE IS nothing quite like leaving the UK behind as a way to accidentally discover some glaring national traits.
In the four and a bit years since I moved to Portugal, I've got to know a lot about the locals - including their language, cuisine and culture.
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However, I hadn't anticipated that I would simultaneously learn a lot about us Brits in the process, during time spent with fellow expats and visits back to the UK.
There are some very particular "Britishisms" that are clear as day to non-Brits - and now also me.
Not, thankfully, those irritating misconceptions about how we're all embarrassingly obsessed with the royals or always have fry-ups for breakfast.
But the rather endearing qualities that the rest of the world gets spot-on about us, and which would never have stood out to me on home soil...
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1. ‘Sorry’ is the easiest word
It's the five-letter national epidemic - one that I only realised I uttered with alarming frequency when I moved to Portugal.
The trigger for it to pass my lips can be anything from being two minutes late to an appointment to someone barging into me on the pavement.
The same, it must be said, goes for "thank you" - said ten times to a waiter or to a car that has reluctantly let me across the zebra crossing.
Things got even worse for me when I learnt how to say both pleasantries in Portuguese, where they are used sparingly and - in a way - therefore more meaningfully. Sorry.
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2. Weather chat gets sizzling
In September, an Ipsos found that 45 per cent of people agreed that Brits talk about the weather too much - and I'm actually surprised it wasn't more.
It wasn’t until I reached sunnier climes - and was trying to make friends - that I realised just how much I rely, like many of us, on it for small talk.
I've moved to Portugal to 'World School' my kids - my rent is £300 a month, including a pool and every day's a beach day
This is because it's a nicely innocuous conversation starter and one that everyone has opinions on, but which isn’t going to offend in the same way as, say, politics.
Although, fortunately, rather than "isn' t the weather terrible" , it's usually "isn’t the weather lovely" or - don't hate me - "isn’t it just too hot today".
3. A world leader in queuing
The British willingness to patiently wait in line is a national skill that I will forever be grateful for.
In contrast, there seems to be so little trust in the Portuguese to do this without fanfare that everywhere from pharmacies to the post office to bakeries has an annoying ticketing system.
I've concluded that this nod to efficiency and fairness is closely linked with our love of time-keeping - which can't really always be said when set foot on a plane.
As befits our non-confrontational nature, I'll now silently seethe when the dentist runs well over or I've waited an hour at the restaurant for my starter.
4. One rule for all
A British trait that has been very sweet to see is our general - and commendable - national interest in trying to do things by the book and to the letter.
One great source of joy if I'm feeling a tad homesick is an unofficial Facebook group called "British Immigrants In Portugal" (the go-to oracle for anyone relocating to here from the UK).
I love watching fellow Brits trying to get to grips with painstakingly slow or confusing Portuguese bureaucracy.
As a people we've become rather used to HMRC reminding us about our tax return six months in advance and being able to renew our passports online... not something you will find in Portugal.
5. Little white lie
I've realised that our collective desire at all times to try not to rock the boat means we often don't say what we really think.
Since moving abroad, it's dawned on me that I'll politely agree to social plans - like meeting at a particular bar - even if I'd really rather go elsewhere.
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But while I'd reply "I'm fine", other non-Brits would refreshingly share their true opinions.
It's a lack of directness evident in the wordy emails us Brits like to send one another - hoping that the recipient is well, that they had a good weekend and that we're looking forward to hearing back from them shortly.
6. Sunny disposition
Back to the weather, sorry. When I first moved to Portugal I was the typical Brit in summer dresses and denim shorts at the first hint of sun rays.
However, slowly but surely I've become the kind of resident of the continent who wears jeans in 30 degrees and is tempted to slip on a puffer jacket at a whiff of breeze.
Nowadays, I'll be able to spot a Brit tourist a mile off - in their exposed arms and bare legs - soaking up all the vitamin D they can. Probably with a beer in hand.
And it's a sunny disposition that, to be honest, is beautifully heartwarming. Because we've been raised in a country where it's practically law that sunshine equals shedding layers and enjoying a refreshment.
7. In on the joke
Last but not least is the iconic British sense of humour, with its world-renowned self-deprecation and subtle sarcasm.
I didn't realise how much I loved a 'bit of banter' until I relocated and found myself inadvertently bonding with as many expat Brits as I did others.
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The same goes for the quirky - and often baffling - British phrases that will understandably leave locals scratching their heads.
Perhaps the most nonsensical example of our language I've come to realise is the response "I'm alright thanks" to being offered something - like a cuppa. Try explaining that one.
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