I'm so sorry to hear that. I know racism is still a big problem in some places in England and it always shocks me and disappoints me to hear it. I know it's not the same thing, but I've been discriminated against in some small towns because of my northern accent.
I had a friend in my city who was Estonian and her experience of Manchester was wonderful. People were open and welcoming and interested in where she was from. She lives in Florida now and says people are equally nice (although she says nobody knows what the Baltic states are).
Yes, difficult economic times make people more racist. They start looking for someone to blame and it's always tempting for them to blame foreigners. I find it very strange in your case because I barely think of fellow Europeans as foreign.
Finally, I can assure you that not all English people are like those in small towns. I feel bad that you've not had a better welcome. Up here in Manchester, you would definitely be welcomed. :)
Is it normal to feel uncomfortable about speaking in my 1st language?
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I'm so sorry to hear that. I know racism is still a big problem in some places in England and it always shocks me and disappoints me to hear it. I know it's not the same thing, but I've been discriminated against in some small towns because of my northern accent.
I had a friend in my city who was Estonian and her experience of Manchester was wonderful. People were open and welcoming and interested in where she was from. She lives in Florida now and says people are equally nice (although she says nobody knows what the Baltic states are).
Yes, difficult economic times make people more racist. They start looking for someone to blame and it's always tempting for them to blame foreigners. I find it very strange in your case because I barely think of fellow Europeans as foreign.
Finally, I can assure you that not all English people are like those in small towns. I feel bad that you've not had a better welcome. Up here in Manchester, you would definitely be welcomed. :)