Springtime in Britain (or why the masses come out)

As weather perks up here in England, I am finally beginning to understand the British (and probably European) obsession with being outside on nice days.

When we first moved here, we noticed that a nice day (defined as a day with more sun than clouds, no rain, and a temperature that doesn't require a winter coat - medium/heavy-weight coat maybe, but not a down coat) caused the populace to come out en masse and flock to every open area available, fill every last seat at outdoor cafes, etc. At the time this seemed rather odd to us. Now, having lived here two years (I arrived two years ago yesterday!) and endured two British winters, I am beginning to understand.

I am now a firm believer in seasonal affective disorder. The short days throughout winter in England are just plain depressing. I think this is why the British have this obsession with being outside on nice days. Today is one of those nice days, and as I was walking back from lunch I felt this inexplicable pull to just stay outside. Now, I've always enjoyed nice weather as much as the next person, but rarely have I felt the need to stay outside if I have other things to do. But today there was this very real feeling that there was a very distinct possibility that this beautiful weather may never (really, never) come again, and so I should stay out and enjoy it while I could! Of course this is nonsensical, I'm sure we'll have this weather again within a week, if not tomorrow. But my brain was convinced otherwise.

I will freely admit that the stresses of study may be affecting my judgment, that the lure of a beautiful day outside was far more enticing than an afternoon behind a computer. However, I think perhaps there is this irrational yet very real feeling when you live in a northern area that the sun may never come again and you need to enjoy it while you can. That's my working hypothesis anyway!