You don't need to be proactively apologetic (That is anyway a Canadian thing).

If someone asks "You're a yank, what do you think of Trump?" then tell them what you think.

If they respond to you as if you're an idiot then they will be doing so for only one of two reasons:

1) You are an idiot.
2) They disagree, so they think you are an idiot.

Either way, there is little you can do to change their view.

Now you can begin to imagine what it's like to be a German...

Do you think most people care about this *as long* as you act normal?

They have their own concerns and worries: but if you stand out (by acting Merkin) then they'll take note

You beat me to it.
Some years back living in Mexico city the worst thing that could happen to one on a Saturday evening bender in Zona Rosa was to be mistaken for an American, that was the time I took to shaving my head, wearing jeans, red braces, white t-shirt and big-ass boots. Never had any problem after that.

Well perhaps I am sufficiently integrated that people feel free to take the pi##
They also know (more or less) the effect of the £ exchange rate on my UK pension.
No more free rounds for the Gemeinderat or the male voice choir

and, in many cases, shedding about 30Kg.

Cowboy boots are also not de rigeur!

Fixed that for you, stick with the red wine!

And will weigh 5 out of the 30 extra kilos.

Btw, nobody I know has a weight problem there. I think that stereotype is only partially valid.

If anyone starts asking I just say 'I don't want to talk about it'. Then I put my hands over my ears and go 'lalalalalalala' very loudly. Usually people leave me alone.


not one European I know is pro Trump, not even one Italian. I think they are humoring you.

I wear cowboy boots just about every day.... and they are not subtle!
Cowboy boots and tiaras and pink chiffon ball gowns are ALWAYS in fashion.

..but that's what you did when the waiter wanted to take your order!

Lib.... never talk politics on a first date. Especially not when she wears cowboy boots, a tiara and a pink chiffon ball gown.

Just keep saying "Go Aggies, can I get you another drink darlin?"

No, these are anti-Berlusconi people that I've known for decades.

They are serious.

Tom

Mention Aggies anywhere near the Appalachians and she'd do a hokey-poke on your forehead with them boots on.

....and then brought tap water



....and charged 10chf for it

Only in as much as they are both extremely emotive issues in their respective countries at present, yet others are only mildly amused or just curious.

Try to avoid mentioning that Honky Tonks in Texas are your natural second home, that you tip your hat to the ladies in the Rose of San Antone, that you grew up on music that you call western swing and that you don't care who's in Austin, you remain convinced Bob Wills is till the king.

This
and this.

+
Keep smiling (you all have beautiful teeth, don't you? ) and go on with your own life.

OP, I don't think I'd get so worried..I think people are fed by media misinterpretations, consumers not really getting informed, most likely falling for overly simplistic outrage. It is just a poorely executed decision, creating bad press. Most countries do that.



All countries have a political wtf moment. It seems to me that the media hype and outrage is proportionate to the volume of foreigners wanting to live (or living already) in the US.

I think by the next week, you can totally put back on the boots, tiara and shifon.

I think that is part of the problem right there. In your view of the world, everybody gets a trophy.