I have a bed and breakfast in New Windsor, Md and I had a guest come from England. There certainly is an interest both ways. I am a bit baffold by the British aloofness. Are they all this way? If I went to England would I find them all so proper? Do they ever let their hair down? If I should go there, how would I be treated? <BR>

Badly <BR>What does "Baffold" mean?

The way you are treated in England will likely be the same way you're treated here. Be yourself and you'll find your courtesies and interest in the English will be reciprocated. <BR> <BR>We've met a number of people from England here in the United States, and, in turn, we've visited their homes in England. We've even been served tea in our bed -- what a wonderful way to start the day! <BR> <BR>There's no doubt that there's a reserve in the English behavior, but this will soon disappear, depending on your attitude.

The British are raised and trained to keep a stiff upper lip, which you may take as aloofness. Being a Latin myself, I always found them a little too "emotionally handicapped" for my taste but once you get to know them, they're your best firends for life! <BR> <BR>Take their "aloofness" with a pinch of salt, respect it and be yourself, they'll open to you quicker then you think, andf they'll proove to be the most humorous, delightful acquaintances ... this being a caricature, of course.

Fodors <BR> <BR>Dear Ms Hannah, <BR> <BR>Gentlemen or not, the English tend to a touch more reserve than is the American norm. We let our hair down with people we know, but do not at first meeting behave as if with a long-lost friend. So if you were here you might well find us a little aloof. <BR> <BR>This is changing, under the influence of American television and cinema. <BR> <BR>For Anon: "Baffold" means run over, as by a buffalo. It is here used metaphorically, I expect. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR>

Troll

I'm sure Hannah the troll meant "baffled," as it meaning surprised/can't understand/confused. That being said, what's with all these posts lately (trolls or not) about the opposing ways of Americans vs. all others in the world? The topic has been discussed over and OVER again. How unoriginal.

Miss Hannah: the most important thing to remember: you must never talk to the gentleman unless you'd been officially introduced (or so they tell me ;-)

Yes, this is a slightly unoriginal topic! The fact is that British people will generally let their hair down quite considerably more than most Americans - ever seen an American drink 10 pints? But proper behaviour as you have come across is something that barely exists in the US - get a copy of Debretts and all will be revealed! Thank goodness we're not all the same - it make travel all the more interesting!!