Question about Australians?

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Ozmaniac

I think I know what you mean.
Some time ago, a friend introduced his new wife from overseas into our circle. She was a quiet, shy little thing who always seemed nervous and came across as not really wanting to fit in. Eventually, one of the girls (not me I'm ashamed to say) really made an effort to talk quietly to her one on one and to really get to know her: who she was, what she was interested in; how she found Australia etc. It turned out that she felt completely intimidated and overwhelmed by all the warmth, overt friendliness and sheer Australianness of everyone - we'd all tried to make her welcome without realising how it affected her. Once we realised this, everyone made a similar quiet approach and got to know her and she got to know us. In no time, she felt more relaxed with us and started joining in conversations, slowly at first until now, she's part of the group in every way.

If you know a group of people and there's someone in it who's a bit quieter than the rest, why not go out of your way to talk to them one on one and get to know them. Tell them how welcome you've been made to feel, but also that you find it all a bit overwhelming. Once you've broken the ice with one, the others will be easier.
If you're not in a group, make an effort to speak to people one on one and don't be afraid. They will want you to like them and just don't realise that they may have been making you nervous. Just be friendly and it will all get easier in time.
Good luck - it won't take long for you to become used to us.

ian

Hi being an aussie myself & have travelled extensively,it all comes down to a matter of time,in your own time ,being famliar with who's around you & your surroundings.Simple thankyou's always go along way .

aussieaussieaussie

Say g'day

Tukmyhamster

I see you're a friendly type and not shy of expressing your admiration for the British and African Americans also.

To appear friendly in Australia all you need do is bring a cold slab of beer.

Windowsocks!

Amazing, wonderful, loving, friendly and caring? do you actually believe those stereotypes? there are those kinds people everywhere in the world! not just Australia! there's no need to feel nervous, just smile, be polite, start a conversation if you really want to...treat us like normal friends.

( ^_^;)

Musiclover

well you could try talking to us and say what a lovely time u r having in australia!! just start chatting to the lady/man at the counter of a shop if you buy something. we love th hear about people from other countries!

m_882

Don't worry, it's natural to feel nervous around people of a different cultural group, simply because their habits and mannerisms can be different to your own. We all feel this sometimes. Just try to be relaxed, smile, and sometimes the best thing can be to actually admit that you're feeling a bit nervous. It could be a good ice-breaker. Good luck :-)

Blue B

Just be as friendly as them and say hi and smile. You need to relax as aussies will warm up to you quickly. I'm an aussie so feel free to say hi anytime!

Duke Flare

I can assure you, we aren't all such amazing, wonderful, loving, friendly and caring people- but thanks for the compliment anyway. You shouldn't have any reason to feel intimidated- you are EQUAL to anybody, Australian or not. If you smile, be friendly and willing to joke around a bit, I assure you, decent people will warm up to you straight away.

Cheers and have a brilliant stay here ;)
Nina ;)

ixlinxs

Shout them a Coopers or a Cascade and you'll be in

GeorgiaSnack

Gosh, some people on here can be so GENERALISING about us Australians.

There is no need to be nervous around Australians, because of the laid back nature in GENERAL, people don't care who you are, or where you are from, as long as you are friendly or talkative, you're okay. You need to just get into a mindframe and think 'okay, these people think im fine, just gotta be me and it will work out' And it will!

He's gone fishing.

Just start taking the pi#s out of us, we love a good laugh. Don't worry we like all kinds of people. Just relax and take it easy.

crystal_iz2002

I just want to say that I (and posssibly others) take offense to Zebra's answer.
We are not all rude, obnoxious drunks. And I have no idea where that stereotype comes from, because there are rude obnoxious drunk Englishmen, Italians, Asians, Americans...you name it!
I would just love to know what nationality she is so I can tell her all the stereotypes about her kind! Nobody is perfect love!

Tazzz

Yep thats right i am amazing!

Zebra

You haven't said what you find intimidating about them. Is it because they are so loud, rude, outspoken & obnoxious? Or because they are usually drunk?

I'm basing this on my 3 years of living in Sydney.

And yes I am trying to wind people up (cue evil laugh).

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