Brit Reacts to 7 Things Americans Do That CONFUSE me as a European 

American here. I have received so many compliments on a particular coat of mine and I not only say thanks, but I add “and I got it on sale!” Then the stranger and I have a mini celebration of my good fortune!

I live in New Orleans. When someone says "thank you" we reply with "you are welcome" or possibly something like "it's nothing".

As an american we arent hitting on you 75% of the time. Most of the time we're just looking to make a new friend :)

When you ask someone distance to somewhere, the reason some will say "time" vs. distance, is because depending on where you live ( city vs rural) you could be 2 miles from the beach in LA but it might take you 40 minutes...in a rural area, 2 miles would likely be 3-5 minutes. Because you have been traveling to larger urban areas, I'm guessing people in the areas you are visiting use "time vs distance" ? do to traffic, etc...

I think that American competiveness is related to Immigrant culture. We are all from somewhere else. Our ancestors left wherever to get ahead and not settle for the status quo.

Its all just what she experienced. She may have come the the US many times, but if you just go to big cities on either coast then you miss out on the other 99% of the country.

We don't particularly do things better in the US. We just do them differently from other countries.

"Of course" is like saying you'd do something for almost anyone by default.

Of course. As in “You’re welcome, of course.” Not “Of course you are.” or “Of course you should be thankful.” I understand the confusion, but luckily she had the common sense to recognize that people weren’t trying to be rude.

A lot of people say, "You're welcome" here. You'll get time & directions if they know it. We have sports both in and out of schools as well as other activities that are also designed for adults. Like chili cook offs baking contests cooking contests etc.

Just because they stop and talk to you doesn’t mean they are hitting on you and when they hear your accent they are curious

Measuring distance: I live in Oklahoma now and previously in Idaho, I found that when you live in a more rural area you describe distance in miles while if you are in an urban area you'll describe distance in minutes.....something may be only 2 miles away but with traffic lights and traffic flow, it might take you 30 minutes to get there.

When I was a kid, we were taught to speak up, and no one is better than you, so we typically greet and respond on equal terms. If you ignore a greeting or mumble a response, nothing happens except you may not be thought of highly. Be you.

Regarding distance, when giving directions it’s common to explain in terms that are practical and vary depending on the environment. In an urban city we probably would use blocks in the suburbs we might use traffic lights and rural areas maybe minutes or hours by car.

As with most things in America there are regional differences. For example, directions in a place like Los Angeles is usually expressed in time it takes to get there whereas in New York City it's usually expressed in the number of blocks. If you ask a New Yorker how to get to the Empire State building they will say go down here for about 15 blocks and take a right on (fill in the street name) and it will be about 12 blocks down on the left. Where I live it is expressed in cardinal directions (North, South, East, West, right and left) followed by the number of blocks or miles and would sound like this.....To get to the restaurant get on this street and head North for about 2 miles and then turn right. In smaller towns like mine we give directions by traffic signs also like this.........Go down this street until you hit the third stoplight then turn left and go until you hit a stop sign and the school will be the second building after the stop sign.

I live here in 🇺🇲 and when you say thank you, and the person will say no problem or phrases like that. Why can't they just simply answer,.. you're welcome . You know what I mean?

BTW, if you haven't done it already, you could do a video just on Jersey. I didn't realize the unique status (and language!) of Jersey until Millie mentioned something in passing (in a previous video) about English politics and how it wasn't really her concern, and I said WHAT?, and went down a little rabbit hole about all things Jersey. Fascinating.

I didn't see a lot of "hitting on" in what she said. I think you're right, we're being friendly. We like to give random compliments. If a man compliments your hair or dress, he's probably not hitting on you. As far as the competitive spirit, that's to do with the American Dream. Here the idea is you get the life you work for. If you want better, do better. That sort of mindset. I want the best, I'm going to work for it.

The thing about being hypercompetitive about kids activities, it's usually one or a few parents who push their kids like that and everyone else thinks they're weird.

1:08 Mark! Hi there! You're solo this time! But anyway, ahhhh! Three of my favorites on screen at the same time! What a treat that I didn't expect! 🎉😊

Every time someone says "Stanley Cup", I think NHL . . .

9:15 regarding films.. well, many great movies were filmed in the UK, such as Star Wars

I think it’s half in half as far as Americans being competitive. It depends on an individual’s personality honestly. My husband is highly competitive where I could care less lol Great video 👍!

Just when i thought i had a pick up line: One afternoon, i was walking, and a couple of neighbors were sitting on the car drinking beer. One of them says, "Richee, you look l!ke sh!t." I said, "Kiss me, and I'll turn into a prince." Her answer was "I hope you like being a frog".

Most brands offer rewards programs which leads to either free stuff or discounts

Americans do have some general traits that go across the country. What few abroad realize is that when going from State to State, the government that is "in charge" switches as well. Something could be legal in Pennsylvania and not in New York. Moving from State to State is very much like someone in the EU moving from one country to another. Our primary language may not change, but nearly everything else does.

Californian here. I do the "Mmm hmm". Thing sometimes or "Yup." Usually if I'm in a rush. Or I go to the other extreme and say "You are most welcome." If I wanna be emphatic about it and put a stamp on it.

Brand loyalty is a real phenomenon. I love FREE PEOPLE clothes, and approx 75-80% of my clothes are FREE PEOPLE. I live in New England, and we often express distance as time.

While HP was filmed in the UK/Europe, it very much was an american production. You can't really get much more *Hollywood* than Warner Brothers.

"um hm" in response to a "thank you" strike this (older, admittedly) American as kind of lazy. I would understand that 99% of the time it's not meant to be rude, but it still annoys me slightly. The "of course" response is closer to the "it's nothing" intent. The measuring distance by driving time thing is because America is HUGE, and driving for many hours to get somewhere is completely normal.

Time vs distance we do in Canada too. Because we go a long way for normal things, it's our normal. Like this weekend I'm going to the closest Ikea. It's 6 hours from where I live, about 570kms. The time given on the navigation is also a goal to be beaten :) (going to Edmonton, AB)

We hope y'all are having fun on vacation. FYI, we miss seeing your mom on videos. Make lots of memories with sweet Archie, can't wait to see the videos. See y'all soon. ❤

The directness is a regional and demographic thing as well. People in the Northeast corner of America (New York and Boston) are very direct about everything whether it's criticism or not. I remember a total stranger in New York kinda getting on me cuz I was wearing Nike shoes and an Adidas shirt.

So what she is saying is we Americans are awesome, and you are lacking..

Enjoy your visit be safe and probably don't visit NY for now.

Mmmhhm or of course or no worries no problem is done if whatever they are thanking me for is normal human behavior (like if was doing my job (although customer services speak now a days is "my pleasure" which I find super disingenuous.) or I held the door open for someone. I usually reserve your welcome for either formal occasions or if I really went out of my way to do something and the person was giving me a more heartful thank you. Saying your welcome otherwise sounds like weird to me, like "Yeah that's right, you should be thanking me". I guess it's just cultural....

I'm a 60 year old man. When I give a younger woman a compliment. I'm not hitting on you or being a creep. I'm just being polite. Get over yourself.

The Harry Potter film series was actually produced by both the United Kingdom and the United States, so we do get partial credit

Dian is Irish but is living in Spain.

I've always felt (American here) the, "of course," or, "hmhm," after a, "thank you," portrays a sense of, "of course I did that for you, you're worth it."

11:50 Mark! Thumb Up #778! 👍 You're welcome, and thanks! 😊 Notes: Hmm. 🤔 I've read some of the top comments, and I'm wondering if I'd be redundant or not. 😮

we describe directions in how long it will take to get there, because if youre driving through, lets say, Los Angeles... 10 miles can take you an hour with traffic. But if you're driving through the countryside, 10 miles will take 10 minutes.

notice how she seems to talk from one side of mouth like she's had a minor stroke....?

Be yourself. People will understand. No sense faking yourself.

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Hi Millie! Diane is one of my favorite RU-vidrs. Still, she hasn't explored the whole country.

Brand loyalty is a generational thing. I grew up witout labels, so I don't have that. I'm not competitive, with others. I only compete with myself. We are, vis a vis, entrepreneurship. My example: my mom could sew; that's it. I taught myself to bake and to crochet at age 6, because my mom didn't and I couldn't hire annyone (WAY before the internet). 🙂

Having visited Britain for work several times and having had many European co-workers, I would say that urban East Coast Americans are far more similar to Europeans than rural and West Coast Americans. May have something to do with population densities in the big East Coast cities are more similar to Europe than the much less densely populated West Coast and Middle American (what is snidely referred to as "Fly-Over country" by elitist urbanites. Having grown up in NYC, I remember when my brother visited me when I was living in a small town in PA and he was shocked at how friendly the saleswoman at the department store we were in compared to what he was used to in NYC. I pointed out that we were the only people in the store at the time and the salesperson was probably bored out of her skull (this was before smartphones were widespread). So, just like Europe, Americans from different parts of the country have different dispositions.

I sometimes find public-persona-Dianne to be too bubbly and perky, but at the same time I find snarky, sassy editor-Dianne to be, in some odd sense-of-humor-way sexier. That's probably really weird, knowing that both are simply aspects of the same person. I can't think of anyone else on RU-vid that I've had that same reaction to. --Dan

"They are very competitive in nature"..... American Soccer/football fans vs Manchester United fans FIGHT!

Thanks! You Betcha

The first is being cat called, and it doesn’t really happen in the south. Here we will talk to you just to be nice, not hitting on you….she hit the nail on the head with the brand loyalty. My girls got bullied for not having a Stanley. Kindergarten and 3rd grade. I think we are entrepreneurs because our country doesn’t care about the working man, and we can’t make enough to love.

Brand loyalty: Heinz catsup only every other brand sucks. Have friends who will not drink Pepsi, only Coke. McDonald's vs Burger King. Ford vs Chevy vs Ram. I could go on and on.

Guys are just being friendly. Americans are outgoing.

The competitiveness is definitely a thing. You see it when we play games with you guys. Or you will see on the news that a parent beat up a umpires or referee in a kids' sports match. My friends' kids are in gymnastics. They have to be the best, or they lose their place on the team or go to a lower class. Its sad.

she's delusional

I live in SoCal, and a Harry Potter fan, yes your country did that one better I have come across many people who respond with of course or mhmm, they also respond with the simple word "sure" after when someone says Thank you, and yes "de nada" in Spanish is saying "you're welcome' When someone says 'Thank you" to me I say "You're welcome" I also know to say yes Sir, yes Ma'am, please and thank you too. I enjoyed this video reaction! Peace. ☮

When are you traveling to the USA? Is the trip already done?

In fairness, a lot of things confuse Diane Jennings…

I would say the uh hmm response is more of a northern or west coast response. The south, west and midwest you are more like to receive a thanks or thank you. Uh hmm is considered a bit rude in general. I do agree that competitiveness and the EXPENSE of recreational activities is out of control. Parents spend thousands of dollars a year for even school sponsored activities, especially sports and is something that I personally feel is out of control and focuses solely on winning than learning skills and having fun.

Americans are more direct, especially at a bar or night club.

If you don’t love our country,stay OUT.

You're welcome, no problem, my pleasure, think nothing of it are a few responses

Please check out SCARIEST TORNADO EVER !!! by Pecos Hank. He does the best Tornado Video Breakdowns as he's a storm chaser and really want to see his channel grow more.

Hi

Hello James and Millie it's Chaz again this is the only way I have to communicate with you and even though we haven't met I still care a great deal about y'all and that's why I wrote that last message. I just hope that you read these messages. I'm counting on Millie reading this come on girl don't let me down😊

I love tennis.. I'm competitive, but it's almost always a "personal best".. I praise all great shots, even if they beat me.

Is she saying that most Americans aren't doing things for fun but only to be competitive? Then she's been visiting a country but not visiting it's people.

Sorry, but I don't think it takes much to confuse this woman! She apparently only has knowledge of the US from watching American movies and TV and then when she does come over, is disappointed and confused when it doesn't meet her expectations.

America doesn't exist to "make sense to Europeans". Americans don't care if we make any sense to Europeans. If we did, we would've been making sense a long time ago. We make sense to each other (well mostly 😄) and that's all that matters. We have our own huge country containing states that are bigger than countries in Europe. We care, for the most part, about getting along with each other. Who cares what Europeans think of us? If I seem a bit "direct", remember I'm an American.😆 Peace🕊

I suspect the reason Diane gets Um Hum as a response to thank you, is that to an American ear her thank yous don't sound very genuine, and sound on the verge of being sarcastic. This is not as bad as the snobbish sound of Joel and Lia, but likely gets a similar reaction in the US.

We do love a good rags to riches story 😁

We ENJOY competition.

Always a delight to see Diane reactions. I’ve been following her since she was on the Facts Channel. No longer the naive girl she was then.

In Orlando you can’t really play favorite brands as three major theme parks are in the area and you have different events for each. We know the offerings each year just when can you go and how much is it. Halloween horror nights at universal always worth going to but not for little kids and preteens as it has an age limit of 13, Disney has the answer with Mickey’s not so scary Halloween party which has treat trails, fun rides and dances, sea world runs howl o scream a collection of 5 haunted houses that frighten but run a daytime treat trail for the kids on certain days, and Legoland has their Halloween event with the Lego figures though it really doesn’t have treats. During Christmas it’s Disney’s Christmas party though the name changes year to year as marketing has been going through staff changes, universal runs Grinchmas, sea world goes into the Sea of Trees, and Legoland goes into Brickmas.

I say "you're welcome" or "no problem"... I hear a lot of "of course", which I think just means "anytime" or "no problem"..... when I hear the occasional "mmhmm" it annoys me and feels kind of rude.... depending on the way they say it, I guess.. A lady I work with uses "mmhmm" for all sorts of things and I find it rude, but she is a super rude person lol Hope you guys are having fun in the US!! ❤

My own friends surprise me constantly. You will never not be surprised by everyone. It's a great part of life. I'm not sure why people act as if they don't want to be surprised in life.

I like Diane's channel. She's honest and doesn't mind being honest. She's been to more than one place in the US and has opined about the places she's been vs saying 'this is America' having been in one place in the US. She has a good sense of humor ....and she's pleasant to look at. LOL

If someone says thank you to me i typically say, my pleasure.

Why do you continue to react to this joke?! She is a drama queen. Her only job is to BS people with her dramatization for clicks.

Can't understand half of what she's saying. Is speed talking a thing.

Pretty rotten using Diane Jennings video.

I love watching Diane and Chewie.

The Irish girl and Millie are both really sweet. I wish the US had more people like them. 😊

Don’t like her