MizElz
Well-Known Member
My uni friend came over the other day to 'experience Wiltshire'. Now, our upbringings could not be more different - she lives - and has always lived - in a council flat in the middle of a big city. She's never had a pet, never been on holiday, and is an only child. I thought I would take her to all the places I have grown up loving, but was bitterly disappointed by her reaction. When we visited what i consider to be one of the nicest, most quintesentially english towns I know, she refused to go in any of the sweet little boutique shops, as 'they're for toffs'. She wouldn't go in the little Monsoon or the Dorothy Perkins branches they have there, as 'it's a different market here - they won't have anything for me.' And when we went for lunch in a cute little tea shop I have been to since i was knee-high, she just ripped apart the menu, was rude to the Polish waitress, demanding to know where she was from, made disgruntled noises all through lunch and then left most of it.
i was so upset, I thought she would love it, but it was clear she's not at all comfortable in the city. Having not eaten her lunch, she then wanted fish and chips! So we bought some, and I took her to Barbury Castle. But she was more intent on not standing in sheep poo than she was looking at the castle and the beautiful view! Then, when I showed her my house, she hated my two dogs! and wasn't particularly keen on the horse, either, though she swooned over the cat.
Now, I know that in having animals/horses/wide open spaces I am privileged, but I've never considered myself a 'toff'. My friend, it seems, would see it differently.
Please don't laugh at the categories; during our long journeys to and from uni on the train, my friend has expressed her opinion that ALL of the below factors make you a toff!!!

Now, I know that in having animals/horses/wide open spaces I am privileged, but I've never considered myself a 'toff'. My friend, it seems, would see it differently.
Please don't laugh at the categories; during our long journeys to and from uni on the train, my friend has expressed her opinion that ALL of the below factors make you a toff!!!