10 Signs You Are Becoming British

During your first months (or is it year?) in the UK as a foreigner, you're faced with situations that will have you scratching your head. you'll be spending enormous amount of time trying to figure out what the people of Great Britain are on about. Until, one day you stop in the middle of the street and ask yourself: did I really just do that? So here are 10 signs that should, among other things, grant a pass in your unofficial British citizenship test.

1- The Acknowledging Smile

This is your way to assure a total stranger, with whom you happened to share the same walking pavement, that you are not gonna physically attack them...promise!

It is also the way to acknowledge a person who you know, but not sufficiently enough to say "Hello!" to. This category of people often includes most of your neighbors, and all your co-workers not in your immediate vicinity.

2- Using Phrases That Have No Direct Translation in Other Languages

takes one to know one*: Simple as this phrase may sound to someone whose first language is English, It is your sure bet to keep a foreigner wondering for hours as to what you meant by that after they called you an "idiot".

*other puzzling phrases are available.

3- Audio-Visual Bonding with the Nation

humming with, or merely being excited by the intro theme of either "Eastenders" or the "Archers"* is considered a mile-stone in your journey towards full integration.

*Also available,

"yes, minister" opening theme - for those opting for more nostalgic approach to television, and "match of the day" theme music for those into football. So, no excuses!

4- Valuing "Space"

It is true what UKIP and the likes are saying. The UK is overcrowded. Especially once all the required 10-foot circles for individual personal spaces are factored in.

5- Using a Drink to Describe a Meal*

- What're you having for your tea?

-er, sorry I heard you say "for", did you mean "with"? You know what? I don't know what you are talking about.

*Also, are there two Brits who can actually agree on how to describe tea-time in international units? i.e., using the hour:minute format.

6- Having "Breakfast" in The Afternoon

Excuse me, does your sign say "Available from 12 noon"?

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To be honest, for an outsider, this whole meal affair seems a f***up.

7- Loving Steven Fry

After all, you'll need to have your share of national treasures.

8- And Hating* Piers Morgan

Among few others! which is healthy, actually, as it is one of the things that unite the people of this country.

*not in the full sense or true meaning of the word. After all if you learn anything in Britain you learn tolerance.

9- Understanding the British Sense of Humar

10-Having Pride in Being Who You Are

The Brits are very conservative when it comes to showing signs of American-style patriotism. They are a proud nation, but their collective pride is made up of the sum of their individual prides in being who they are. They surely do not feel the need to prove it or stress it. It's there for anyone to see when it matters, and so is British solidarity.