It strikes me as I reflect back that, even among the closest of friendsjust like an old married coupledisagreements are bound to arise eventually. The more people you gather, the more opportunities for little arguments and disappointments to crop up. Its only natural, I suppose.
One time, a good friend shared with me how they celebrated New Years Eve together with their mates. Traditionally, there were three families who always welcomed the New Year under one roof, usually at the home of one of the families. But last year, one family declined, choosing instead to celebrate at her parents place.
In the end, the remaining two families decided to split the festivities: theyd begin at one house, then continue the evening at the other. All the party food and drinks were bought together, and everyone chipped in a bit of cashpounds and pence gathered for nibbles and bottles of bubbly.
They all turned up, children in tow, and sat around the table until midnight. But as the clock struck twelve, the hosts began tidying awaythe plates vanished, leftovers were quickly stowed in the fridge. At first, my friend couldnt fathom what was happening, but it became painfully clear when the vacuum cleaner appeared. That subtle, very British signal: its time to go home now, thank you ever so much for coming. I must say, that does feel rather off, doesnt it? Surely not the done thing.
Curiously, when they later moved on to the other friends house, no one seemed in any hurry to wrap things up. They stayed until the crack of dawn, snacking, chatting, raising glasses in good cheer.
Reflecting on it, I think the vacuumer might have found it helpful in clearing out the house, but honestly, my friends just well-manneredits in his nature to take a hint without fuss. I suppose thats part of what makes us English, for better or worse: sometimes, the smallest gestures say more than words ever could.
