Alcohol and the English

You cannot live in this country and not be bemused by the peculiar relationship between the English and their alcohol. The ease at which the famous English reserve is stripped away after a few pints is nearly as spellbinding as watching David Blaine do his freaky stuff. Which leaves one to wonder about the whole reserve thing. Is it just a myth? A security blanket to cover myriad insecurities? A veil of sophistication over sexual repression? It is quite easily the strongest stereotype I've ever come across (and being Indian, that's saying a LOT!), not to mention, the most consistent. The English laugh about it in their self deprecating manner, and we laugh along with them. So why is it, that it still disappoints when I see it amongst those I know? Why would I expect them not to devolve into the stereotype. Becuase that exactly what it is - a stereotype! Yet, it's so much more. It's not the alcohol fueled hooligans or yobs - thankfully beyond my sphere of influence. It's about the people I spend time with. People I like. People I respect. You think you know them, but a few drinks, and the veil starts to slip. Not rude or offensive behaviour - just unexpected. A side to them you've never seen. Subtle facets? We all have them, and the longer you know someone, the greater the glitter, but one doesn't marinate it in alcohol to bring out it's beauty. Just realised the way I phrased that last sentence - with most people, it's an enhancement, but here, it's a stipping away of... like in a wholesale market, a discounting of anything said or done while there's a glass in the hand. Is that who they really are? Or is that who they wish they were?