Dating a British Boy: A Guide

Don’t fake being British to try and fit in. He likes you just as you are—even with your American quirks—so there’s no need to pretend. Besides the whole "stay true to yourself" thing, most people who aren’t British just don’t pull it off and end up looking silly.

British guys often lean into sarcasm and subtlety. Their humor can differ wildly from what you're used to, so don’t be discouraged if your jokes don’t land—or if his leave you puzzled. Brits are known for their dry, ironic humor, and yes, they may poke fun at Americans from time to time. But don’t take it to heart—it’s just their style. He’s with you because he cares, and he probably thinks your American jokes are hilarious—because, let’s face it, a lot of them are rooted in truth.

Familiarize yourself with a bit of British slang. British English has its own flavor, and grabbing a British slang guide might come in handy. Take “pants” for instance—in the UK, those are undies, not trousers. So, if your Brit is holding a wallet and unsure where to stash it, don’t suggest clipping it to his pants unless you’re aiming for a long, awkward pause. And if you're invited to a "fancy dress party," leave the cocktail dress at home and grab a costume—yes, like a pirate outfit or giant banana suit.

The more curious you are, the more he'll share. The British still have a queen, princes, tea time, and they spell "favorite" as "favourite." They call cookies "biscuits"—it may all sound odd to you, but try embracing it. You might discover some fascinating aspects of their culture that you never expected.

It’s normal for couples to have disagreements. After all, you come from different backgrounds. Yes, it will be challenging, but always remember that no matter your differences, there’s a reason you two are together—and you love each other.

• Many Brits really do enjoy their tea. If you’re a tea lover too and are decent at brewing it, he might be impressed if you make him a cup.
• Sharing music could be a great bonding experience. The UK has some amazing bands you may not know, and you might have some favorites in common. Create mixtapes for each other, or hunt for vinyl together—it could reveal a common interest.
• Don’t obsess over his accent. It could make him uncomfortable.

• Avoid bringing up Sarah Palin. British people often find her extremely amusing—but not in a good way.
• His British mates may tease you both. It’s best to let it slide, but make sure not to ignore his friends entirely.