*Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to our KoFi page. It's enabled us to buy more filming equipment and to make more videos for you guys (as well as having the occasional caramel macchiato or glass of prosecco!). You guys are amazing and we really appreciate the support!* www.ko-fi.com/joelandlia (Also - no pressure if you can't, we are just so grateful for everyone who watches, comments and shares our videos) x

"So for all you British viewers..I know there's not many left." **THE SHADE**

If you want someone to get out of the “fast lane” on the escalator just write them a stern letter

Personally I disagree with one of them and I'm from Britain. If a stranger talks to me I just think they are being friendly, not that they are gonna steal something :)

The British are renowned for their letter writing - on that lovely pale blue writing paper - so as an American, I DO understand that. I love the pair of you - I have to watch much more regularly! xo

Lol! You ride the escalator on the right, yet you drive on the left 😂😂😂

Fun escalator fact--the oldest escalator is still found & works at the Macy's store on 34th Street in New York City. It's a wooden escalator, from 1902.

I’m a new british viewer - your videos are SO funny... everything is 100% relatable and I feel like Brits need to watch this just to realise what peculiar people we are 😂😂😂 had to share your account with my friends 🇬🇧 amazing

I'm an American and I'm with Joel 100%. I would rather walk alone and I rarely spend any time outside of work with coworkers. The second I'm off the clock I'm out the door and not thinking about work until I clock in the next day.

Hahaha see I'm an American and I feel the same way about the voice of Morgan Freeman. If he is narrating it, I'm watching.

Of course you lie to the hairdresser. NEVER upset anyone holding sharp metal objects to your head!

The thing about Brits not making friends with strangers, the making friends through friends reminds me of when I read historical romance novels and they say that it's a faux pas to introduce yourself. They had to wait for a mutual acquaintance to make introductions.

I must be British at heart because I HATE when people strike up conversation with me 😪

Escalator is still just an escalator in America. We usually just say "excuse me" if we want to get by someone on the escalator.

Got to agree with the David Attenborough point. His voice makes the show a million times better. Love the bloke.

In America if you give us a dirty look we'll just give it right back to you & turn the music up more 🤣 Our maid of honors give speeches at American weddings.

Ironically, you do realize your platform on KZfaq has you talking directly to COMPLETE strangers, lol! Is it an issue of respectful boundaries and space rather than not talking to people you don't know? I can see where if you live in a big city you want people to respect your personal boundaries. In airports, I have had people start conversations with me and tell me extremely personal information. Oversharing with strangers is not unusual in the US, and it does feel a bit uncomfortable. Oftentimes the people who overshare about themselves never take the time to stop their monologue and listen. Bugger off! Is that what the Brits say when they want people to leave them alone? Awesome video!!! Love you guys!

If you come to America and don’t want strangers to talk to you don’t come to the South!😂 We talk to everyone!

We call it escalator in the U.S. as well. This video was very interesting. Always love watching you two!

This is so interesting, we always just randomly get into conversations in grocery lines, bus stops, elevators, etc, here in the US. 😂lol😂 loved this video, great job guys!

So many resemblances between Germans and Brits. I'd agree on standing right at the escalator, writing letters of complaints, stern looks, not talking to strangers, never ever repeating the goodbye (although here, I'd say it's more like continuing to walk together in silence and awkward smiles thrown at the other). Oh and I absolutely agree with Joel about the "let me walk alone"! Although I only had it happen before work, while I'm still in my introverted listening to music and brooding mode. And then I come across a workmate and know I have to be polite and turn off my music and somehow have a conversation. I actually considered stopping at the bakery just to be able to continue my walk to work in peaceful solitude...

That's ironic, because as an American, I only watch nature shows narrated by David Attenborough. They're allways on and their are like 1,000 of them. He was in the American newspapers yesterday telling people to leave leave sugar water out to save the bees, at 92 years old, and i did it only because he told me too.

That's so weird to think of randomly starting a conversation as something forced. I guess it's just so normal here.

I found your channel about a week ago and I can’t stop sharing you guys to everyone! I love you guys!! I’m from the states and a total wannabe Brit! But I’ve learned from you guys I wouldn’t fit it. ☹️ I’m your typical loud, overly friendly, always happy American. Lol! One day when I go to the UK I promise to NOT talk to strangers (unless to ask for directions), remember to use my indoor voice and not make you amazing Brits say words like “water” for my benefit (even though I’m completely obsessed with your accent). Thank you for allowing me to learn more about your culture. It’s absolutely lovely! X

Im American and I love, love,love David Attenborough. His voice is so soothing.

David Attenborough is huge in America too, at least among those that watch nature shows. You mentioned a twitter account, Very British Problems. There's also a series by that name on Netflix. Steve Mangan, in particular, was very funny in it. Most Americans will know him from the series Episodes.

In the US we have Best Man speeches, and Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor speeches. :) Also, it's common for the Father of the Bride to give a speech, as well as the Groom or sometimes the couple.

In my state, Missouri, everybody talks to each other. Even if you've never met someone before you have a conversation. Yesterday, I was sitting in my car waiting for my grandson to get off work at a nursing home. I had the car windows down a woman parked beside me got out and stood beside the car and talked to me. I'd never met her before, and I'll probably never see her again, but we had a nice visit. It's normal, it happens all the time. There's no such thing as a stranger, just friends you haven't met yet.

I literally scour the depths of Netflix searching for anything narrated by David Attenborough. His voice soothes my American soul 😌

Sounds like people are a bit passive aggressive in England

Here in the US, both the Best Man and Maid of Honor give speeches at wedding receptions.

The bit about not talking to strangers CRACKED ME UP!!! Back in the mid 1970's I went for a month long trip to Great Britain with a college group. I was on the tube with some friends and got lost at a station. I jumped on the next tube alone. The tube was empty except for an older business man. I didn't want to be an Ugly American so I went and sat next to him and smiled. Moments later he nudged my arm and placed the newspaper in front of my face. He had written a dollar/pound amount on the newspaper. I gave him a, "What's this about look". Pen still in hand he scratched off the original amount and increased the value. I got the message then and got off at the next station. I'm sorry, I don't remember the amount I was worth. I have lied about it so much the last time I told the story I was offered a million for my services. However, I'm sure it was the going rate or higher:) I was wearing a pink sweater,. Do you think that had anything to do with his misconception of my profession?

I live overseas now, so watching you two makes me feel warm and fuzzy about my homeland - love it!

Your channel makes me really want to visit Britain

I am always so happy when you post another video

Love the video. Binging today on some Joel and Lia videos. Helps me in my Saturday. Interesting info and funny all in one. Thank y'all

you guys are so funny I met one of my best friends on the tube.. and yes I am an American and yes he is a Brit, in fact now some 20years later we have become each other's extended family member. .. keep the episodes going guys love them.

Striking up a conversation with strangers is just being friendly. Especially in the South, that's just the way it's done. I live in Montana, and we also wave to strangers while we're in our vehicles.

When you finally do merchandise you need to really do something with Triggered!!

I'm American and I DO NOT like watching documentaries without his sweet voice!!! I've said this to friends. I wish he was my grandpa.

You know... I've been watching your channel, because I love learning about Britain. I really do like your personalities too, but I felt like you really didn't like Americans at all. But after getting over myself and watching nonetheless, I think I'm learning that it's your sense of humor. I don't always understand the dry or sarcastic sense of humor, but once I know that it's in good fun, I enjoy it! Afte watching you mean comments videos, I got it. In my opinion, you are both so funny and genuine (I think any way).

The whole not talking to strangers thing must be such a Brit thing because ALL British/Irish KZfaq channels I watch mention it at one time or another. There is a weird twist to it here also, because people will complain about strangers talking to them on the airplane, so they'll bring earphones so as not to have that happen. However, I think it's such an accepted thing here (outside of airplanes) that it's almost a non-issue for most people.

Strangers talking? I was in walmart today. A woman in one of those scooters came by the banna display. She said they ain't quite ripe, I said yeah, they are a little green yet. We will strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, about anything. That is the beauty of the U.S.A. I could not imagine life without this important part of life? It's a sense of belonging. We all want to be together.We are all friendly. She was the nicest person ever. I hope she thought the same, of me. Always be kind.

English Standard Version Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

So when you’re “triggered”, write a “letter of complaint!” I LOVE IT!!!

In America, it depends on where you're from. If you're from the Midwest USA, or some other country area in the States, you'll talk to anyone. But if you're from a densely populated area (suburbs/city) you'll resent strangers speaking to you.

The no talking policy “except in social settings”... everything is a social setting. Outside of your home. I mean how boring, to limit yourself in such a way, to be so rigid? It’s not about making friends, it’s just nice to have social interactions. That are spontaneous, fun, engaging. Now, that doesn’t mean throw social intelligence out the window- you have to read the other person and know when to end the interaction. But I’ve had so many pleasant conversations, nothing more than a minute or two, with strangers. Books especially are such a good conversation starter!! Just the other day I saw a little boy with a book and asked what he was reading, simply because I was so happy to see a kid with a book instead of an electronic or on a phone. It was a very sweet and short interaction. You’re really robbing yourself of experiences, Brits.

My best friend in college (still is a close friend) is a man. We adopted each other shortly after meeting and he's my brother. He was my best man at my wedding instead of having a maid of honor. My hubby is now close with him too and was totally ok with it. Good for you for planning to break tradition!

I’m American and I totally agree with you about the random conversation thing, weird imo. Maybe it’s because I lived in the UK as a kid or my introverted ways, lol. Can I borrow you shade/stern look, Joel & Lia? 😎

Lmao five minutes off the train during my first time in London, I committed that cardinal sin! I was so tired I wasn’t thinking to stand on the right...and here I am in St Pancras Station getting the worst stink eye from some older gentleman as he went around me. 😂 I’ll never forget!

In the States, at weddings, the groom has a best man and the bride has a maid of honor. Sometimes they both toast the couple or sometimes lots of random guests will toast the couple. I moved from Texas to L. A. and would chat with strangers all the time and everyone looked at me like I had brandished a weapon! Angelinos don't talk to strangers. When I traveled around London, everyone was very kind and a guy even carried my heavy luggage up the stairs in the tube without my asking! But I noticed everyone kept to themselves mostly which is understandable in a crowd. The Japanese call it Wah, to disturb someone's wah is forbidden. Great video:)

As an American I have completely mastered the stern look. It is a very useful talent to have when dealing with irritating people and/or behaviors.

OMG! Loving this! When working in London I was one of the proofreaders for the " sternly worded letter" effort. It was one of the best jobs ever! Laughing hysterically here mates! Great video! Such fun! Thanks! Love and cheers! 👍💗😘🇬🇧

I didn’t understand anything in this video except I also lie to hairdressers. I am just an American 😂 😂 😂.

As a Brit, I 100% agree with the people talking to people, I was out with my friends and one of us were taking pictures of the rest of the group and a woman came up and started talking to us and then offered to take a picture of all of us together but we all said no it’s ok and so our immediate reaction was that she was going to take the phone or something, it’s a Brit thing ahahhaahah

My military father complained in writing to a car company for sending his new car overseas with a few dings. He was sent a new car without even the slightest scatch on it. The president of his company was impressed he took time to send a hand written letters. I saw the returned letter which had a lasting impact on me.

In Colombia people is very friendly, some will talk to you on public transportation. If you need help on the street, a Colombian will be more than happy to help you.

I just noticed you've topped 100k subscribers. Last time I had a mind to notice it, y'all were at 98,000...I feel like I blinked you added another 5,000. Congrats!!! 🎉

OMG, the walking the same direction after a goodbye is hilarious. I can just see a really funny comedy sketch coming from that subject.

You two are the best! I did my part, my husband and best friend are now subscribers! I visited London on a school trip when I was 12 years old. I would love to come back! I think it would be an even better experience, I feel like I would appreciate it more now!

My family literally only watches documentaries if it’s narrated by David Attenborough 😂

I Love Things Only Brits Understand, thank you, Joel and Lia!!! 🇬🇧😍

I got my daughter watching your videos now, she loves and enjoys them as much as I do !

I offer looks too to people when they are annoying. I also understand the walking away in the same direction when I say bye. It feels so awkward.

So Joel - Question...you've mentioned that you have family in Florida...when you come over here, do you just prepare yourself mentally that people are going to be more chatty with you b/c you're back in the US?

so the British social class system also applies for making friends LOL

I'm American and grew up watching David Attenborough on our PBS channel. I agree! He is the epitome of nature programs. I love him!

American here! The funny thing about Americans talking to strangers is that it's just some untaught social rule. I had a job once where we had 4 British college students during summer holidays for work and I learned how it felt to them firsthand. I'm not sure about everywhere in America, but in Maryland (close to Washington DC), when you are walking down the sidewalk, you might get asked "hi, how are you" but nobody cares what you say back. You just keep on going in passing. Our Brits asked me "Do you have to stop and talk to them?" and I didn't grasp how awkward it would be for them until they said that. I felt so terrible because awkward situations literally hurt you. The pain is real.

Dear Lia and Joel, you are amazing! Well, I do agree with everything and I'm German, though. Okay, I have to confess that I'm absolutely keen on the UK. David Attenborough is the voice of nature programms and Mary Berry the Queen of cooking shows. Greetings from Germany

At first I was laughing at all your social rules, but then the more I thought about it, we have plenty social rules here in the States as well. I grew up in one part of the country where just about EVERYONE was friendly out in public. We always said hi to everyone we passed on the street. Now I live in a completely different part of the country, and it took me a long time to get used to saying hi to a stranger on the street, and they'd completely ignore me, and wouldn't even look at me. I very rarely speak to anyone out in public anymore, as I've learned it's not socially acceptable to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

I find it really interesting that you see someone speaking to a stranger as forcing an unnatural interaction. I'm Canadian and although speaking to strangers isn't a constant thing, especially in larger cities, it definitely doesn't universally bother people in the same way as you describe for Brits. You wouldn't really get annoyed if a stranger spoke to you, you would get annoyed if they were being genuinely bothersome or strange. However (and this is the important bit) you would be expected to be tolerant of them out of politeness, although maybe not terribly responsive. I think most Canadian don't think that hard about stranger interactions, they're not meant to be the gateway to a friendship (unless for some reason you just really get on), it's just seen as general friendliness if that makes sense.

in America the "look" is mostly a challenge for confrontation.. but randomly talking to strangers is considered friendly

My friend who does hair likes to be called a stylist, and he doesn't like it if you don't like how your hair looks. So if you choose to try someone else he takes it personally...crazy. I've only known it to be escalator. Thanks again Joel and LIa for starting my day with a smile.

I think David attenborough's belongs to the entire world not just to Great Britain. I don't know one person who would disagree that David Attenborough is the best at narration in nature shows.

Completely agree I hate when strangers speak to me or start a conversation.

Public Transport and Strangers: You may have already noticed during your travels, but when you are in large American cities (I lived in Chicago) with public transportation, you definitely don’t make “friends” via the bus or the L. You never make eye contact, UNLESS a person is talking too loud, taking up two seats, listening to music too loud, eating food that smells or crunches, etc. THEN they get a stern look(s), loud sigh, tsk, etc. Same thing for standing in the escalator left “fast lane,” especially during rush hour. Very bad idea. In smaller cities (now I’m living in Florida), most strangers know no strangers. It’s uncomfortable to try to adjust to it. Supermarkets: Publix supermarkets are very clean and very overpriced unless it is part of the weekly special sales. They are all over Florida, and there are few other choices. They are headquartered here. Aldi has been operational in Illinois for over 20 years. I went a couple of times with my grandmother. My favorite supermarket in Chicago was Whole Foods. There is one in almost every neighborhood in the city limits. You also could have them deliver. Sadly, there are not many in Florida. Fresh Market is similar to it and mostly only in Florida. There ends the lesson about American supermarkets and public transportation etiquette. I will be in Wales, Oxford and London next month. Thank you for my preliminary UK education via your videos.👩‍🎓I’m sure I will seem very smart. Cheers!

We call an escalator an escalator in America! Hehe

Love u two so much u bring joy to my hayfeaverie last day before the end of school where i have to go church tomorrow morning and sing for my whole school 2 times

I'm American but after watching this video I think I have more in common with you Brits! Love you guys!

We call it "escalator" here in the US, too. Everyone lies to their barber/hairdresser. If you find one who actually gives you the cut you want, it's a gift from the gods. David Attenborough's voice is delightful. Over here it's kind of a running joke that Morgan Freeman narrates everything, but Attenborough is welcome too. You'll be pretty alarmed in NYC i suspect; non-insane total strangers often talk to people, at least in my experience. I'm from the American Midwest so it startled *me* too, but I got used to it. Fun video as always! 👏🏻

Yes! Always lie to the hair dresser!

I am American but I understand the hairdresser thing, because I don’t want to say anything mean to the hairdressers!

Yes, casual conversations often happen in America in situations where you are almost thrust together briefly, but no matter how open a person might be in those situations, honestly - the contact usually never goes beyond that -- except in romantic movies, where it almost always does, lol, and is a familiar plot changer. In reality, usually it's a "it was nice chatting with you," fleeting conversation, and that's it, you never see that person again. It's kind of a safe, anonymous space that gives both parties a needed sense of social contact, but then it passes, and life goes on....

Love your channel guys! I live in the UK for over 3 years, but I am originally from The Netherlands as we are famous for saying what we’re thinking so I do tell my hairdresser if I don’t like my hair or if someone is very annoying I love to tell them. It’s so funny to watch other brits looking at me partly in shock but very pleased at the same time.. 🙈

Theres a maid of honor speech in the US. Same deal.

About people acting as if they know Lia (or Joel): that's the power of video. Viewers feel as if they DO know you.

This is so true....everything is so relatable!!!! Do make more fancy videos!

Here in USA its still called Escalator. We usually stand on the right side and if ppl wanna hurry up and walk down to a train stop then they walk to the left side.

I despise people who stand on the left hand side of the escalator!!! I thought that was a universal code.

East to west, joel & lia are the best *****

My mom said something about her haircut not being good and got the special treatment the next time she went to the hairdressers. Usually, she would just find somewhere else to go if she did not like a cut or dye. Your relationship with your hairdresser is sacred like it is with your doctor, she says. Most hairdressers do not know how to take care of longer, thicker hair, hence the encouragement to cut it shorter.

And the little electric tweezer the hairdresser uses behind your neck used to tickle so much when I was little getting a haircut

I think most people lie to their hairdressers... Poor hairdressers! They're living a lie and they think they're doing a wonderful job!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Lol 😂 Every video is better then the next!

I'm American woman and I don't always voice my displeasure at what someone does or says that annoy or irritate me but it's dangerous to say to much , I was raised to be polite to people it's good manners to smile or say Hello, I don't just talk to stranger's. But if you pay someone to style your hair, it's ridiculous not to be honest when they ask if you like your hair, how are they to get better at styling hair if no one tells them the truth?

I totally understand the David Attenborough thing. his voice is soooooooooo soothing.

Totally agree, a letter always works! MLS

You are my favourite brits!!

In the states, we have honour attendants if it's a female "best man" or male "maid or matron of honour". It's very common, or at least not unheard of to have a woman also give a speech at a wedding.

The haircut thing is common here, too, especially if you're introverted and/or shy. You don't want to make a scene or cause a fuss. My BFF didn't go to her lifelong hairdresser for her wedding because she messed up her hair coloring one too many times. She didn't say anything, she just didn't go back lol. The walking thing is common, too. Either you're walking the same way or you see someone you know in a store. You might speak then you have to try to avoid them because if you see them again you have to make conversation. It honestly sounds like a lot of stuff is similar to what introverts here hate.