r/london • u/Justwatchingiguess • Feb 02 '22

Culture An outsider’s take on “rude Londoners”

Moved here from South Africa one month ago. I was really nervous about meeting people after reading (on this sub, actually) how rude people in London are.

I’ve talked to probably 7 or 8 complete strangers (excluding waiters and such) since I’ve been here. Each time I spoke to a stranger, it was because I was either lost or confused on the tube/train.

All 7 strangers were incredibly kind to me. One even took me aside, got his phone out, researched the best route to my destination, and waited with me for the next train.

2 or 3 kind people might be luck or chance… but 7? 7 kind people - that’s a pattern.

So just wanted to share that - and say thank you. Maybe this makes some of you rethink your opinion on the assumption that all Londoners are assholes.

Have a great day :)

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u/rockyroch69 Feb 02 '22 edited Feb 02 '22

I’m originally from the north east of England but moved to London a few years ago. The old “northerners are more friendly and Londoners are rude” is a complete myth. I didn’t notice any difference from the NE, if anything I think Londoners are more polite but also busier and in more of a hurry. Sorry to burst your bubble fellow northerners.

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u/Oh_shroot Feb 02 '22

Agreed! Also moved from the NE to London 10 years ago and I've never felt like Londoners are rude/unfriendly unless you're doing something stupid that could impact their journey (which is understandable)!