A to H

From Apologising to Humour, via Chivalry, Countryside Rules, Faux-Pas, Formal Dinners and Hats, our indispensable Guide to British Behaviour.

Apologising
For many British people, apologising is a default reaction to life's little irritants.
Chivalry
Historically, chivalry was seen as an integral, and indispensable feature of the British 'gentleman.
Complaining
The British love to complain, but we're not very good at it as we naturally avoid confrontation.
Countryside Rules
Some unwritten rules of behaviour have been observed in the British countryside for many centuries.
Discretion
Take a leaf out of the book of the traditional English butler, and make a virtue of discretion.
Dress Codes
Special occasions in Britain often require a multitude of different dress codes.
Drunkenness
Alcohol oils the wheels of British social life; from Royal Ascot to a night at the local pub.
Engagement
The British path from engagement to marriage is pre-ordained by centuries of custom and tradition.
Faux-Pas
The British value politeness, making faux-pas an ever-present social danger.
Formal Dinners
Formal dinners are usually bound up in deep historical ritual and tradition.
Gamesmanship
This can be defined as the art of winning unfairly at sport without actually cheating.
Handshakes
In Britain a firm handshake is the common form of face-to-face greeting in all situations.
Hats
Hats are compulsory at a diminishing number of British social occasions.
History
Britain is a country with a discernible history that stretches back several millennia.
Humour
A sense of humour is one of life's essential tools.