I'm English, and after reading this thread I feel like there is so much I have just not appreciated. The saying, "the grass is always greener on the other side" has never felt more true. All the things people are listing here are things I can't ever remember thinking I like, or even having thought about. Thank you for waking me up to what my country has.
Reading these views from Americans, so many so positive, reminds me of something I have always regretted. I was on a train going into London from Kent a few years back. There was an elderly American couple sitting on my right and, behind them, two English youths. The boys began to smoke to which the Americans pointed out that there was no smoking on the train. In reply, the boys imitated American accents and swore at them. The way they said it was so malicious and unnecessary. I would give the clothes I'm sitting in and the computer I'm typing on to go back and tell those idiots to learn some manners and decency. I will never forget that I did nothing, even though it was a relatively small incident.
If you've ever been put down for being American, I would bet it's nothing more than jealousy or spite. I hope it doesn't change your view of the UK in its entirety.
We've always had a special relationship (besides the part where we were dictators and then you fought us off, but that's, erm, a long time ago) and for me, I will always feel a certain bond with Americans.
Good luck to you all.
Ben
