Traits of the Nation

I want to share with you this interesting research from OnePoll, and would like to hear your views - do you agree?

"Talking about the weather, sarcasm and being great at queueing were yesterday (Sun) hailed as the top traits which makes us British.

The characteristics emerged in a study of a 5,000 adults which asked them to pick out the things - good and bad - they believe makes us unique as a nation.

An obsession with soap operas such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Eastenders was number four in the list.

And, worryingly, getting drunk was also named and shamed as a fundamental part of being a Brit, regardless of time, day, location or reason.

A spokesman for global research company www.onepoll.com, which conducted the poll said: ''This is a brilliant list of characteristics and some of the observations are absolutely spot on.

''You can't go anywhere or do anything in Britain without someone talking about the weather, and we're almost proud of the fact that we get more rain than anywhere else.

''What this poll demonstrates really well is how proud we are to be British - more than two thirds of respondents said they felt honoured to be a part of this country.''

Researchers found 58 per cent of people like nothing more than chatting about the forecast.

More than half also said we are the politest nation when it comes to queueing and 48 per cent considered sarcasm as the highest form of wit for Brits.

A staggering 44 per cent of people enjoy escaping from reality to a world of the ridiculous with soap operas, and 43 per cent say binge drinking is one of their guilty pleasures.

Sixth place went to our love of a bargain, whether it be red label shopping in supermarkets, buy one get one free offers or money off coupons, 42 per cent of folk can't resist splashing out on something cut price.

At number seven was our love of curtain twitching with 41 per cent of people admitting they can't help adopting the role of the nosy neighbour.

Loving trash television, moaning and being obsessed with class all appear in the top 10 of things which make us 'Typically British'.

A spokesman for www.onepoll.com continues: "In the main part the traits listed in the top 50 are illustrative and definitive of who we are as a nation.

"There is the odd inclusion of bad behaviour - such as drinking a bit too much or having a moan - but every normal person has their little vices.

"I would conclude that we are a very accepting, proud and strong country."

Other British traits include our obsession with traffic and asking people about their journeys, leaving things to the last minute, being unhappy with our weight and loving all things deep fried.

True Brits also have a real love and sense of loyalty for the Royal Family, and admit to emulating the life and style of celebrities.

And showing a humourous side, 21 per cent can't help taking the mickey out of their mates, 30 per cent enjoy other people's misfortune and 22 per cent aren't afraid to laugh at themselves.

TOP 50 'TYPICALLY BRITISH' TRAITS
1. Talking about the weather
2. Great at queueing
3. Sarcasm
4. Watching soaps
5. Getting drunk
6. A love of bargains
7. A love of curtain twitching
8. Stiff upper lip
9. Love of all television
10. Moaning
11. Obsession with class
12. Gossiping with neighbours over the garden fence
13. Obsession with the traffic
14. Enjoying other people's misfortune
15. Inability to complain
16. Love of cheap foreign holidays
17. Working long hours
18. A soothing cup of tea to ease worries
19. Eating meat and two veg
20. Looking uncomfortable on the dance floor
21. Feeling uncomfortable when people talk about their emotions
22. Clever sense of humour
23. Obsession with property values
24. Pandering to political correctness
25. Road rage
26. Being unhappy with our weight
27. Wanting a good tan
28. Being proud of where we live
29. Not saying what we mean
30. The ability to laugh at ourselves
31. Washing the car on a Sunday
32. Taking the mickey out of others
33. Asking people about their journey
34. Inability not to comment on how other people bring up their children
35. Jealousy of wealth and success
36. Being overly polite
37. Texting instead of calling
38. An inability to express our emotions
39. Obsession with the Royal Family
40. Fondness for mowing the lawn
41. Love of rambling through the countryside
42. A love of all things deep fried
43. Emulating celebrity lifestyles
44. Leaving things to the last minute
45. Irony
46. Keeping our homes neat and tidy
47. Take decisions and accept the consequences
48. Achieving against all odds
49. Wanting our sportsmen / teams to fail
50. DIY on a Bank Holiday"

Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com

So, what do you think? Email your comments to Liz Kentish the FM Coach coach@lizkentishcoaching.co.uk