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Brits are seen as reserved in manners, dress, and speech. They're also famous for their politeness, self-discipline, and, of course, their sense of humor.

But just like the rest of the world, they have problems, and if you really want to get to know someone, taking a look at their challenges and the way they tackle them is a great place to start.

Created by journalist and writer Rob Temple, the internet project called Very British Problems offers exactly that; a glimpse into British people's everyday life, with all of its awkwardness taking center stage.

Considering it has 5.3 million combined followers across various social media platforms, I think we're safe to assume there are plenty of funny and painfully true insights.

More info: verybritishproblems.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

We managed to get in touch with Rob, and he was kind enough to tell us more about Very British Problems.

"It started in 2012 and since then has basically been a diary of my day," he told Bored Panda. "I'm a typically awkward Brit and people seem to relate to what I encounter in my day-to-day life."

As Rob pointed out, a lot of similar accounts that also pay homage to British humor simply repost already popular memes. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that. But his is different. It features mostly his own little thoughts that he has as he bumbles through existence. It's human.

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KJ
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oops, accidentally threw the biscuits against the wall, so many broken ones, shame!

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For a more comprehensive look into what Rob has created over the years, check out his website where you can find Very British Problems books, mugs, and even gear.

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There's also the upcoming The Very British Problems Quiz Book that should come out in October.

"Everything I write is very personal to me, so to see my gentle observations have struck a chord with so many people is bonkers," the humble man behind the project said.

"The most relatable problems that the British face are definitely based around manners, etiquette, queues, weather, and tea!"

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Robert T
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of the three rather deaf old ladies walking down the street. "Windy isn't it", said one. "No, it's Thurdsay", said the second. "So am I, let's all go and have a cup of tea", said the third.

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Gin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must admit I'm very glad that cash is used so very little these days!

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Rob said Brits mostly deal with these problems by moaning and laughing about them.

"[We] love to find the humor in difficulty, no matter how small or large those difficulties are. If a British person was in the middle of falling off a mountain, they'd probably make a joke about it before commencing with screaming. It's just how we deal with life," he explained.

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RoanTheMad
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

more like "I never actually got changed out of my pyjamas and I'm not going to"

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To get a better understanding of British humor, and, in turn, the content of Very British Problems, we can check out what Ricky Gervais, the co-writer, co-producer and star of the hit BBC series The Office, which was on air for two years and adapted for a U.S. series for eight seasons, thinks about it.

"Brits are more comfortable with life's losers," he said. "We embrace the underdog until it's no longer the underdog. We like to bring authority down a peg or two. Just for the hell of it," Gervais explained.

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"Americans say 'have a nice day' whether they mean it or not. Brits are terrified to say this. We tell ourselves it's because we don't want to sound insincere but I think it might be for the opposite reason," the comedian said.

"We don't want to celebrate anything too soon. Failure and disappointment lurk around every corner. This is due to our upbringing. Americans are brought up to believe they can be the next president of the United States. Brits are told, 'It won't happen for you.'"

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Fred Van Der Zee
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Tea?" "Yes, please, I'd like some tea without milk." "I am afraid I am going to have to execute you."

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Person
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Tea?” “Yes, please, I love yea. And it’s easy to make. You just microwave th-“ “what did you just say?”

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Robert T
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't come round my house then. I do have tea, but you probably won't want it, as the same pack of teabags has been sitting in the tin for at least a decade. Even the smell of tea makes me feel queesy. And yes, I am a Brit.

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Auntriarch
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a similar cache of tea in my pantry. The only person who ever drinks it is my friend from Illinois, and she hasn't visited since 2017. She's coming next month. Do you think I ought to lash out on a new packet?

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Gillbella
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I normally go for "May I have a glass of water? I'm a cheap date ho ho ho,"

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Callie Ge
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t drink tea? Never mind, I’ll just pop the kettle on.

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Mark Secker
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The British know NOTHING about tea.... and that is a hill I will die on (and in fact almost did, several times, while traveling through the UK) English breakfast "tea" ? That's not even tea, that's furniture lacquer at best, at worst it's something for taring boats to prevent borer beetles from eating your timbers. Oolong, Longjing, Genmaicha, Sencha, now that's tea, not that rotting floor scrapping garbage they steep till your silverware tarnishes Even the French make better tea than the Brits (I guess my name's now on a list and I'll never get another UK Visa)

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April Pickett
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand the tea is really strong, that's why they add milk. When I go over, I'll ask for cold tea.

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Brenda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I lived there, went crazy looking for Dr Pepper. As they were scarce, I drank tea most of the time. Boss almost fainted when he saw me take it from the fridge. Iced tea. Shook his head and said bloody American 😄

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Gervais finds differences between American and British humor everywhere from mass media to mundane conversations.

"There's a received wisdom in the U.K. that Americans don't get irony. This is, of course, not true. But what is true is that they don't use it all the time. It shows up in the smarter comedies but Americans don't use it as much socially as Brits."

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Nathaniel
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do them kettle dodging barbarians from the colonies really microwave their tea? Or is that a horrific urban myth?

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"We use it as liberally as prepositions in everyday speech," Gervais explained.

"We tease our friends. We use sarcasm as a shield and a weapon. We avoid sincerity until it’s absolutely necessary. We mercilessly take the piss out of people we like or dislike basically. And ourselves. This is very important. Our brashness and swagger is laden with equal portions of self-deprecation. This is our license to hand it out."

Something tells me he'd also be a fan of Very British Problems. If he already isn't, of course.

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