5 Ways People In NI Deal With Bad Situations
By Abby Williams
When it comes to awkward situations Northern Irish people tend to have a unique way of dealing with things.
Death, a relationship issue, a local scandal involving your Uncle Tommy...there's always some caper going on that requires facing uncomfortable conversations.
Thankfully, we've developed our own coping mechanisms and they don't always involve a bottle of the finest…
1. Avoid Them
With tea, alcohol or straight up denial. Sometimes we prefer to just avoid the situation entirely and focus on something we’re familiar with.
Tea and coffee are great social buffers in any awkward situation and can help bring a level of grounding where we can sit and actually assess the issue with a beverage in hand. In a way, it’s just a funny kind of optimism. A pint also wouldn’t go amiss.
‘Our Marty’s been having it off with his mate’s girl.’
‘Christ...here have a wee cup of tea.’
2. Lighting A Wee Candle
Northern Irish people like to keep the faith, even if they aren’t particularly religious. It’s a cultural thing, especially within the older generation, and Granny’s candle-lighting hasn’t failed us yet
So don’t be surprised if your Grand-folk turn to a higher power when you’re old Uncle Tommy pops his clogs or your Ma’s heading to the Royal to have her varicose veins seen to.
‘I’ll say a wee prayer for her, love.’
3. Slabbering
The people of Northern Ireland can be a proud bunch and sometimes the only way to approach an awkward situation is with a bit of defensiveness.
It might not always come from actual malice, but a good slabber is a way of de-stressing.
‘I can’t believe she’s being such a melter. I only nicked a few fegs aff her.’
‘I know like, sure she’s always been stingy.’
4. Make A Joke Or Sarcastic Comment
This is a personal favourite...when in doubt, make an inappropriate joke.
Our humour is one of a kind here in NI and we aren’t afraid to laugh at ourselves. Making light of negative situations is a great way to avoid awkwardness.
‘Oh my God, I look pure fat in these jeans!’
‘Aye, you love a good pastie supper.’
5. Remain Hopeful No Matter What
Needless to say, it’ll be grand.... Probably.
Here in NI it’s custom to reassure each other that everything will be sweet, even if it isn’t. No matter what the crises, you can always rely on someone to play it down.
‘Awk sure, it’s just one of those things.’