Why have I always felt deeply connected to British/English values?

Posted by Addy_Goodman@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 211 comments

Ever since childhood, I have felt a deep connection to English and British values, as if they were an intrinsic part of me. I deeply admire English manners, etiquette, politeness, and compassion. The calmness in the culture of saying “please,” “thank you,” and treating others with courtesy, regardless of status, has always deeply inspired me. Historical aristocracy and the traditions of nobility, honour, formal conduct, refined speech, old estates, academic excellence, and the deep respect for heritage and institutions.

My natural preferences from food to clothing have always leaned toward "English". I walk, talk, eat and sleep in English. People around me have often criticised me for adopting what they call “outsider values” or for not being patriotic enough. However, I never believed in pretending to embrace values that did not feel natural to me.

Although I come from a Commonwealth nation and the English left nearly a century ago, with little trace of them, I still feel a strong and natural connection to Britain, almost as if I belonged there in another life. I may not have a natural British accent, but I am actively learning and improving it. I watch British shows like downtown abbey, Outlander, peaky blinders etc to understand "Brits culture".

One of my greatest aspirations is not only to study in England, but also to truly experience Great Britain in its traditions, academic culture, countryside, literature, architecture, history, and way of life. So, I would love your opinion on how to fulfil my wish .