What can fat American woman do to make trip to England easier?

Question

I'm in my 20s and I'm a US size 24 (UK size 28) - very large. I'm trying to lose some weight - and have recently dropped about 30 pounds (a little over 2 stone) - but don't have the time to take off much more before I go.

I'll be travelling this winter. I plan on staying in London for a while, but really want to spend my time in the northwest and visit Liverpool and Blackpool.

My issue is that I'm not really looking to stand out - though I'm sure I will. I just want to be able to enjoy the country without being a bad guest or making a nuisance of myself. I've been trying to read up on etiquette, and while I've seen a lot of advice about avoiding being the ignorant, loud, fat American traveller (the three are often conflated, which doesn't really bode well for me), there is little out there about how one is supposed to operate as a fat American in England.

I don't want to be yet another bad representative of my country. I'm worried that simply being as fat as I am will add to the impression that Americans are undesirable guests. And while I am not really accepted at home because of my weight, I'm worried that the alienation will be amplified while I'm in England because of my nationality.

Does anyone have any advice about my situation? Does my age impact the kind of experience I'll have? How do I make my presence less offensive?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Just smile, enjoy everything you do, everywhere you visit, don't try to compare England with America, take in all the differences between the Countries, enjoy the weather even if it pours down! You can't change the weather, whichever Country you visit so just make the most of it.
You sound a lovely, respectful and considerate person, please don't put yourself down because you are carrying a bit of extra weight, it's what is in the heart and mind that counts, be friendly to people and they will be friendly and helpful to you. We do get a lot of bad publicity at times, but most of us are kind people and would not judge you on your appearance. We look forward to welcoming you..Enjoyyyyyyyyy!!!!

Answer 2

Don't worry. Be yourself.

The only visitors that have a hard time are the ones that enjoy making unfavourable comparisons between their home country and ours. In fact if the positions were reversed in the USA, I'm sure you would feel the same.

We are (mostly) polite and like people for what they are, not their appearance.

Answer 3

Believe me, being fat, loud and ignorant will not make you stand out in Liverpool and Blackpool.

Answer 4

hey im from england to and theres loads of fat people in england man and woman but accept me lol

Answer 5

Hey im from England and we're really not that botherd when it comes to etiquette.
Its quite a common misconception actually that we just sit and drink tea with cucumber sandwiches just as it is for people thinking that all Americans are heavier :)
But really, from my experience, most British people find Americans great. Dont feel threatened by your size - take a look around at the people in England, there are LOTS of larger people and its nothing to be ashamed of.
And do visit Blackpool! between you and me - its pretty gross, (do NOT swim in the sea!!) but its a good time with the lights and attractions :)
I hope yu enjoy your visit to England :)
xx

Answer 6

seriously, stop worrying ... there are plenty of British people the same size or larger than you are ... we have shops stocking larger sizes (e.g. Evans which is sizes 14-30, and M+Co do a good range for larger sizes) ... it used to be true that super size was American but we've caught you up ... the issue we have with Americans is more about loud and bragging (everything in America is bigger and better?)

be yourself, be pleasant and polite, and you'll be just fine

Answer 7

First of all, I'd like to say that none of us are perfect. So you're carrying some extra weight on your bones. So what? I'd rather meet someone who's a little large but intelligent than a stick thin brainless bunny girl *g*

Being fat won't make people dislike you and please don't let yourself feel alienated. The UK is used to tourists and most people will go out of their way to be pleasant to you, help you if you get lost and be quick to point you in the direction of interesting things to see and do in their locality.

The main problem you'll have is people trying to understand American culture (guns/capital punishment/foreign policy etc) but now Bush is gone, the anti-American feeling is starting to die down a bit. People will probably be asking you more questions than you'll be asking them!

Relax, enjoy yourself, pull up a stool and have a pint in the local pub. I can guarantee that no-one will find you in the least bit offensive, you'll be welcomed with open arms in most places and if anyone is rude to you just walk away from them. Some people are, unfortunately, dickheads - every country's got them and I'd like to apologise in advance on behalf of the UK in case you happen to run into any of said berks

The only one likely to be offended during your stay is you - when you see the kids getting drunk in the city centre on a Friday and Saturday night!

Answer 8

Try to avoid saying the infuriating things that you Yanks often do like "It`s really nice to be in your little old country" "have a nice day"
"I have a friend in Manchester called John Smith, Do you know him?"
"Have you met the Queen, is she really as small as she looks on your dinky little T.V`s
"Why is your beer so tasty"

But most of all, try to sound intelligent..most Americans come over here and ask Numb nuts questions about our history..The UK can show you more history in one day than you will see in a lifetime in the U.S.A. so don`t go all ga ga everytime you see a statue thousands of years old and say..."Are you sure it`s real" Trust me..it WILL be real !

Answer 9

i think your going to be in for a bit of a shock honey, i see on a daily basis women around the UK your size or bigger in skin tight leggings, no one cares, this is the UK we don't have such an overwhelming body image fixation as some parts of the states (I'm thinking of California),
your really not going to stand out that much, and even if you did stand out no one is going to care,
you will certainly stand out a lot if you don't relax and enjoy yourself.

London is a fantastic place, and gets many thousands of american visitors each year, and those americans come in all shapes and sizes, ages, races, loud ones, quiet ones, ignorant ones, ones who know more about England than most English etc, etc.
Liverpool too has plenty of overseas visitors, and to be fair the locals are far more friendly than Londoners.
Blackpool is a dump!! yet is still wildly popular with tourists from the UK and overseas.

Answer 10

Haha, you're making England sound like a well mannered posh place to be. It's really not. :P

Anyway, I doubt you are the stereotypical 'ignorant, loud fat American traveller' as you're taking in so much consideration about it. Just don't be ignorant, and don't be loud (in the annoying way) - then you're sorted. I highly doubt that you're a bad representative as you sound absolutely lovely. :D I mean yeah, maybe you'll get some looks and sarcy comments, but don't we all! Really, just enjoy yourself and have a lot of fun :D Don't forget your umbrella! XD

Source(s):

..I live in England?

Answer 11

don't worry i live in the north west you dont seem like a normall American you seem really clever
the only thing that will draw attension to yourself if you say stuff like hey are Britian and England the same thing ' have you met my freind he lives in England to' we saved your *** in ww2
but i think you will be fine by the way wrapp up its very cold in England and good luck

Source(s):

a Englishmen

Answer 12

It's not really a major problem. Just be polite and act in the same way you expect visitors to the US to act - OK, not the brain dead disney visitors but those with a modicom of common sense and manners! Stop putting 'fat' at the beginning of American. You are an American woman who is coming for a holiday, the size is not an issue unless you find it hard to get about/walk etc. Just be yourself and enjoy.

Source(s):

I'm a largish woman with a partner who is size 28. She has no problems.

Answer 13

There are stereotype Americans and stereotype English, Irish or anything else. Funny thing is that most people don't conform to those at all.

I suggest you just be yourself. The thing that most people, irrespective of where you come from, dislike are visitors who don't do at least a little preparation for their trip. An American I know of asked an Englishman what language was spoken in England! Similarly the English acquaintance who thought he could visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Key West and the Grand Canyon by car, in a day from New York! Stupid and a little preparation would have stopped the blunders.

Frankly, because you are concerned I don't think you will have too many problems. Try the food and don't expect it will be the same as in the USA. Don't die of shock at the price of gas, we call it petrol by the way and don't tell everyone they do it better in the States.

Otherwise, be yourself and enjoy the trip. The British come in all shapes, sizes and colours so don't worry about being a little overweight. I know how hard it is to lose weight so keep up the good work

Answer 14

Don't worry yourself :) You seem to be a much nicer, considerate American than some of the uneducated (Is the Uk Britain?) stereotype Americans we get here on Answers UK. ;)

We won't judge you if you're overweight, thats doesn't matter. As long as you're considerate and polite and not a loudmouthed "Everything is the Us is better blah blah blah" American - we don't care.

I hope you have fun when you come over here and good luck and well done with the weight loss. :)

Answer 15

I was born in Liverpool but live in N/Ire now I am just back from a trip home there.I may not be large like you but i do stick out hun (im in a wheelchair with both legs elevated out infront of me)I was made most welcome where ever I went.I think thanx to the Beatles and Liverpool being the capital of culture they are used to visiters and lets face it they should make everyone welcome who is bringing cash to the city to put it bluntly.Ive not been to London since i was a child but im sure its the same there.
I think the main problem is we all have preconceptions but they can be like chinese whispers I don't view americans as loud mouthed as you put it I also wouldnt give anyone a hard time because of their appearance.I know some people do I have experienced it too many times myself with the chair but for every rude person(the world over) theres ten to put the smile back on your face.Have a great time and can i make a suggestion when in Liverpool get yourself on the ferry to belfast N/I is a beautiful place with tons to see and very friendly people.

Answer 16

Trust me, there are plenty of fat English people. If they say anything about your weight, they are rude! Say something to them about their discolored teeth from drinking so much tea!