Not in on the joke

Something I've been noticing a lot lately is that I'm not in on the joke. Meaning that when people around me make a British pop culture reference, I have a tendency to stand there looking blank. This is followed by this conversation:

Friendly British Person (FBP): You have no idea what I'm talking about.
Me: Uh, nope.
FBP: Oh, well (insert explanation of a pop culture reference that is part of the British collective consciousness)
Me: I'll take your word for it.
FBP: You have no idea what I'm talking about.
Me: *sigh*

It's frustrating. I know people here mean well, and I don't blame them for my frustration. As human beings, I don't think we realize how much of our interactions with people depend on a common cultural phenomenon, like pop culture. It provides a common, usually neutral topic to talk about over coffee.

I could also be talking out of my ass right now.

My general level of frustration has gone up several notches the past few days. Full disclosure: I'm lonely. I miss my friends at home. I miss the effortlessness of being able to talk to them, and not having to rack my brain for something to talk about. I miss inside jokes. I miss not having to explain that I was being sarcastic.

But mostly, I miss hugs. I didn't realize how important hugs became to me until I wasn't hugging people on a regular basis. I know some of you will find this funny, considering my back history. But there it is.

I know it's a bit early, but my one and only New Years resolution is to make some friends here in Leeds, and get involved in some activities. I want to volunteer at an animal shelter, and I want to take cooking and orienteering classes. Maybe I'll get back into belly dancing, or tango. Lots of possibilities. I just need to get through the Christmas season.

Lonely Duck

Comments

Silverback said…
As someone from Leeds who 'lives' in Florida for 6 months of the year, I'm pleased to have found your blog just now.

Need time to go back and catch up on previous posts but I like it so far.........

sorry you're missing home and it can't be easy at this time of the year. Donno where home IS yet so off to read more.
December 15, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Daphne said…
Hello - I found your blog through Silverback who's a friend of mine and we met through our blogs. I am a genuine born and bred Leeds person and I went to America for the first time last month and loved it! I am enjoying your blog, and the photos too. Welcome to Leeds!
December 15, 2008 at 9:56 PM
Anonymous said…
Hey there. It sounds like culture shock has set it right on time (6 weeks). Its where everything that was unusual and charming before, now becomes annoying. I felt that way during my junior year in Florence when all I could think was, "What is WRONG with Italians??" But I came to love the dirty, gritty city just like I did when I first came to Worcester. You will too. I think your plan of getting ivolved with stuff is good. That's how I met you guys six years ago!

Over and out--JLO
December 17, 2008 at 10:09 PM
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