Another archetype of the classic Brit is the boozing, blaspheming ball of liability that can be spotted at many a pub-pavement interface on a Saturday night. One nation, two stereotypes at polar ends of the spectrum of social behaviour, but take the sobriety of one and the readiness to express of the other, mix it up with a dash of diplomacy and a hint of eloquence and I reckon you’re on to a winner. Give me the honesty of a drunk, minus the drink.

Glossing over the gory details in everyday interactions can not only lead to pent up frustration, but can also insidiously eat away at self-worth and leave unclear the true dynamics of fundamental relationships.

The contradiction of happy-on-the-outside/aggrieved-on-the-inside creates a confusing dichotomy. Take the example of the daily commute. On one hand we are apologising for obstructing the paths of those in a greater hurry than ourselves ('You kicked me in the calves on the way down to the Piccadilly Line / I’m ever so sorry for getting in the way'), yet on the other we’re cursing under our breath for being jostled and trodden on.

Facebook also provides an interesting example. When posed with an unwanted friend request (queue psychotic ex-lovers and estranged childhood antagonists) it is no longer even an option to simply decline. Where is the straightforward 'no'? Can the collective conscious no longer handle handing out an uncomplicated, honest rejection? It would seem not.

It’s a complex issue I know, and maybe the ability and the willingness to put people at ease and smooth out any tensions are indicative of superior social skills or, in the workplace, of being business savvy. Perhaps being overly nice is a method of self-preservation and a subconscious attempt to maintain an optimistic outlook. And maybe, just maybe, it’s because at the end of the day we all just want to be liked.

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Picture credit: Rex Features

Are Manners Driving Us Mad?