I moved from the US to Scotland. My social life looks much different here.

Almost every social gathering I’ve attended in Scotland has included alcohol, from reading groups to hikes.  

I’m not someone who drinks regularly. In the US, I might have a glass of wine or two a month. But my alcohol consumption has definitely increased since living in the UK.

It’s normal for work colleagues, friends, and family members to regularly gather at the neighborhood pub, known as the “local.”

I’ve also found that “pub culture” in the UK is a little different than hanging out in bars in the US. For example, at a pub, friends usually rotate buying rounds for each other instead of opening up individual tabs. 

Speaking solely from my own experience in the UK, I’ve found that discussing money is far less common here than it is back home. 

Though money is often considered to be a touchy subject in America, my US friends are significantly more likely to mention things like salary, debt, or bills in casual conversation. 

Whereas in the UK, there are actually television ads encouraging people to break the taboo around money and talk about “the M-word.” 

I grew up in a Greek-American household, which meant there was a lot of Mediterranean-style kissing, hugging, cheek-pinching, and general physical closeness between friends and family.  

Though I’d say Americans aren’t quite as touchy-feely as Greeks, hugging a friend, sitting next to someone on a park bench, or tapping someone on the shoulder are all still within the range of normal social interactions in America. 

In contrast, I’ve noticed that personal space is a big deal in the UK.

Standing too close to someone or going in for a hug without warning can be downright alarming. Physical touch seems to be something reserved for only the most intimate relationships, such as between children and parents or romantic partners. 

A handshake or a nod is sometimes as physical as my social interactions get here.

I like meeting new people, and I generally don’t shy away from trying to turn strangers into friends. But I’ve found that it takes a bit longer to become friendly with someone in Scotland.

If my friends and I connected with someone at a party in the US, we’d think nothing of inviting them to brunch the next day or exchanging contact info. Meanwhile, in the UK, I feel like I’d look out of place passing out my number to people I’d just met. 

I wouldn’t expect to talk about more sensitive topics like family or money with a British acquaintance right away, whereas more intimate subjects might be fair game with a new friend in the US.  

Obviously, I can only speak to my own experience. I’m sure there are plenty of Brits out there who would invite you to their wedding within an hour of meeting you — I just haven’t found them yet. 

This story was originally published in July 2020 and most recently updated on September 19, 2024.

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