Recently, I found myself relaxing in bed, indulging in a marathon of Good Hang With Amy Poehler episode snippets, as one typically does. During her chat with Tom Holland, the British performer shared something that genuinely made me chuckle…
For his forthcoming film Spiderman: Brand New Day, Holland portrays Peter Parker, a native New Yorker. Yet while practicing lines, Holland encountered a cultural dilemma. “In the UK, [when ordering food] we say, ‘Please, may I have the burger with number two? Thank you so much, please. Thank you, thank you, thank you,’” Holland states. “Meanwhile in America, it’s perfectly acceptable to just say, ‘I’ll have the number two,’ and end it there… During scenes, my dialect coach would step in and say ‘Stop saying ‘please.’ A New York kid wouldn’t be saying please when ordering a burger.’
So, ultimately, what did he do? Our lovely Holland went against his British instincts and adhered to the script.
“You can catch this scene in the film where someone asks for a coffee and I simply go ‘Sure,’” Tom chuckles. “And through the suit, it’s apparent that I’m thinking, My dad is going to be so let down by meeeee.”
Truthfully, I comprehend! At 33, I still observe particular principles my mother ingrained into my core. Here are a few:
* If I ever encounter someone greeting me in Spanish, I must reply with a hola followed by ¿Cómo estás? (‘How are you?’), even though my Spanish conversation skills are limited beyond that.
* Always prop the door open for the individual strolling behind you, even if it entails standing there for 30 uncomfortable seconds waiting for them.
* Brush your teeth IMMEDIATELY upon waking up. No exceptions, no excuses.
I’m eager to know: What childhood lessons do you still adhere to today? Share your thoughts!
P.S. A tribute to family customs, and what are your dad’s life principles?
