Polish Expat Returns: Insights on UK vs Poland Culture

The Journey Back to Poland

Daniel, a Polish expat who grew up in the UK, recently made the decision to return to his ancestral homeland. As someone with a unique perspective straddling both cultures, he offers valuable insights into the differences between life in the UK and Poland.

Why Return to Poland?

For Daniel, the move wasn't so much a "return" as it was simply "coming" to Poland for the first time. Born in the United States but raised in the UK, he accompanied his parents when they decided to move back to Poland. This transition has opened his eyes to many aspects of Polish culture and society that differ significantly from his experiences in Britain.

The Polish Identity

Daniel emphasizes the strong sense of Polish identity, even among those born abroad:

"If you're Polish, no matter where you were born, you're always going to be Polish because it's so niche, so unique."

With only about 37 million Poles in Poland and an estimated 10 million overseas, the Polish language and culture create a strong bond. Daniel credits his parents for always speaking Polish at home, allowing him to maintain fluency in the language.

Safety and Cultural Preservation

One of the most striking differences Daniel noticed upon moving to Poland was the sense of safety and security.

A Safer Environment

"Walking around in a park at night, for example, feeling so comfortable - you just don't get that sense in the UK. It's kind of scary there," Daniel explains.

He attributes this increased feeling of safety to several factors:

1. Cultural values: Polish people place a high value on safety and security.
2. Setting the tone: There's a clear expectation for visitors and immigrants to respect Polish culture and norms.
3. Immigration policies: Poland has maintained stricter control over immigration compared to many Western European countries.
4. Homogeneity: The relatively homogeneous population may contribute to social cohesion and reduced conflict.

Preserving Polish Culture

Daniel notes that Polish people are quite serious about maintaining their cultural identity:

"Polish people are quite good at setting the tone for their culture. When people come here, whether tourists or migrants, they see that Polish people are serious about keeping their culture as it is and protecting it."

This strong sense of cultural preservation stands in contrast to the more multicultural approach seen in countries like the UK.

Freedom of Expression and Political Climate

The political and social climate in Poland differs significantly from what Daniel experienced in the UK.

Speaking Freely

In the UK, Daniel observed a growing fear among people to express certain opinions openly:

"People are genuinely afraid to speak out in the open and share opinions that are now considered to be extreme."

He contrasts this with Poland, where there seems to be more openness to discussing a wider range of viewpoints without fear of social or legal repercussions.

Political Shifts

Daniel notes that the political landscape in Western countries has shifted dramatically in recent years:

"The goalpost of the left has shifted so far left. A woman is anyone who identifies as a woman, boys can be girls, girls can be boys... it's like 'don't assume my gender.'"

He expresses concern that these ideological shifts could eventually make their way to Poland, as European countries often follow trends set in the United States.

Cultural Differences in Relationships and Dating

The dating scene and attitudes towards relationships differ markedly between the UK and Poland.

Interracial Dating

Daniel observed significant differences in attitudes towards interracial dating:

"In the UK, there were a lot of Polish girls that said 'No, I don't date white guys. Polish boys are disgusting. Black boys only.'"

He attributes this partly to the influence of UK urban culture, where certain ethnicities may be seen as having higher social status.

Relationship Values

In Poland, Daniel notes a stronger emphasis on long-term relationships:

"Here in Poland, most of the people are in relationships. If you meet a girl who's 24-25, she's probably been in one or two relationships, each lasting two or three years, and she's looking for the next one."

This contrasts with the UK, where he observed a more casual attitude towards dating and higher numbers of sexual partners among young adults.

Sexual Attitudes

Daniel points out differences in sexual attitudes between the two countries:

"Polish women are actually super sexual, but they're more lowkey about it. They hide it better. Whereas in the West, in the UK, girls are just kind of... you feel it, you know?"

He suggests that UK culture promotes more overt sexuality, while Polish culture tends to be more reserved in public.

Friendship and Social Bonds

The nature of friendships and social connections also differs between the two countries.

True Friendship

Daniel found that friendships in Poland tend to be deeper and more loyal:

"Polish people are really good at being friends. They have strong values. My friends in the UK, they didn't understand sometimes the true definition of friendship."

He recounts an experience where his UK friends continued walking when he stopped at a shop, something he found unthinkable among Polish friends.

Social Media Influence

The influence of social media on social behavior is another point of difference:

"In the UK, as soon as summer starts coming around, you start getting the 'hot girl summer' posts. It's time to go crazy, and social media promotes it. It's hella toxic."

Daniel suggests that Polish social media culture is generally less focused on promoting such behavior.

Career and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Daniel is considering his options for the future.

Moving to Warsaw

He's contemplating a move to Warsaw to further his career:

"I'm moving to Warsaw. I'm considering that, especially with my career trajectory and what I'm doing. I think Warsaw would be a good move."

Potential Return to the US

Born in the United States, Daniel is also curious about experiencing life there:

"I feel like I would like to experience life in the States, being born there. I'm curious because I barely remember anything."

Balancing Act

Daniel acknowledges the challenges of living in Poland, particularly during the winter months:

"Poland's winter - it's not as harsh as it used to be, and it's not the harshest in the world, but it's still miserable. It gets dark very early, and the worst thing is the air quality."

He's considering options for spending winters in warmer climates while maintaining his base in Poland.

Conclusion: A Unique Perspective

Daniel's experiences offer a valuable perspective on the cultural differences between the UK and Poland. His insights touch on various aspects of life, from safety and social norms to dating and friendship.

For those considering a move between these two countries, Daniel's observations provide food for thought. While Poland offers a strong sense of cultural identity and safety, it also comes with its own challenges. The UK, on the other hand, provides a more multicultural environment but may lack some of the traditional values found in Poland.

Ultimately, Daniel's story highlights the complex nature of cultural identity and the ongoing process of finding one's place in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether in Poland, the UK, or elsewhere, the search for belonging and understanding continues to shape the experiences of many young people navigating multiple cultural influences.

For those interested in following Daniel's journey and insights, he can be found on various social media platforms under the name Daniel Lovich, with his YouTube channel "Angielski z Danielem" (English with Daniel) offering English language learning content for Polish speakers.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHg7W0xXR2o