How to Date a British Boy

Don't try to be "more British". He fell in love with you despite your Yankee ways, so don't try to change for him. In addition to the "be your true self" issue this presents, most non-British people just really suck at being British and look ridiculous when they try.^[1]

Keep in mind his sense of humour. Many Brits have a different sense of humour than people from other parts of the world, so don't feel hurt or offended if he doesn't laugh at your jokes, and don't get confused if you don't understand his. Brits are often dry and sarcastic, and part of the national humour involves making fun of people from countries, such as Americans, but don't take it personally. Keep in mind that he loves you and it's just the way he is. American jokes are funny anyway, because most of it is true.^[2]

Try to learn his mysterious ways. "Mysterious ways" meaning "strange British slang". A lot of words are different across the pond, and you may want to invest in a handy-dandy British dictionary to decode your boy. For example, a good one to know is "pants". In Britain, "pants" are your underwear, and "trousers" are what we call the things you wear around your legs (what Americans call "pants").^[3] So if your Brit gets a new wallet or something and he doesn't know where do put it, you should not under any circumstances suggest that he clip it to his pants. This will only generate awkward silences and funny looks. Also, if he invites you to a "fancy dress party", you should not wear your little black dress, prom gown or a suit. Go for something more like some bunny ears, or possibly a clown suit, because a "fancy dress party" is a costume party.

Try to get interested in his culture. For some reason, the British still have a queen and princes and they drink tea and spell "favorite" like "favourite" and call cookies "biscuits". This may seem to you like some totally strange and bonkers things to do, but try to get interested in it. You may find some cool bits of culture that you wouldn't expect.^[4]