One of the many subjects that was beaten into my brain repeatedly throughout the numerous UK pre-departure proceedings we had to endure, was to stay vigilant of cultural differences. Some of them were very easy to spot. I know what the loo is. I’m no stranger to sarcasm. Does anyone actually not know who Morrissey is?

Others were more unexpected. What do you mean I don’t have to put a return address on this? This is a city cafe and you don’t have wifi? Whether or not to tip for particular services is a revolving door of confusion.

There is one cultural difference that is definitely apparent in everyday life but I can’t quite put my finger on what to call it. The British as a whole are a more modest people than Americans. I will get behind that generalization. I don’t know if this is the cause of the profuse politeness and generosity I have felt since I’ve been here. The other day I was eavesdropping on a conversation between two men standing next to me on an extremely crowded Tube car. The conductor had just made an announcement that we should expect delays and our train wouldn’t leave the station for a few more minutes. Judging by the passive reaction of the passengers, the conductor may as well have just announced that “there is weather outside today” or “tea is quite popular here.” The man next to me was sharing with his friend that he often flies in and out of JFK airport for business in NY and people go “bloody bananas” whenever there is a delay. He finds the response to this in London airports is of a completely different nature. Arriving at the terminal to find that your flight has been delayed an hour and half is more often met with, “It’s alright mate, as long as I get a flight. Let’s go back to the pub.”

I wonder if this is because of the innate entitlement we as Americans seem to have. I need to get somewhere. I need to get on this flight. I am important. I, I, I. I would be lying if I didn’t say I was guilty of having this mentality on occasion. Logically, it’s pretty absurd. Your flight is delayed. Can you fly the plane yourself? Do you have any other way of getting to your destination? No. There’s nothing you can do about it. So why waste energy stressing about it? It is a lot healthier, and you will be all the happier if you just take it in stride and not dwell on things beyond your control. Let’s go sit at the bar and have a chat about it.