If there's one thing British culture is universally known for‚ it's tea. And if there's one thing Americans are known for in Britain‚ it's mucking up tea. Admittedly‚ Americans' relationship with the U.K. and its tea is a bit…complicated. After all‚ it was Britain's taxation of imported tea that served as both a symbol and catalyst for the Revolutionary War‚ made famous by the so-called Boston Tea Party in 1773. (For those not steeped in American history‚ colonists famously dumped tea from British ship in Boston Harbor overnight in protest over being taxed without representation. They also tried to pin it on Native Americans‚ dressing as Mohawk Indians to disguise their identities‚ but that's another story for another time.) Our complicated tea relationship just took an unexpected turn‚ as an American scientist dared to suggest that the secret to a perfect cup of tea is to add a bit of salt to it‚ which naturally caused the entire United Kingdom to lose its everlovin' mind.Michelle Francl‚ a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania‚ argues in her book‚ "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea‚" that sodium in salt can counteract the chemical process that causes tea to taste bitter‚ to which the British say‚ "Rubbish! Poppycock!"“A scientist from the country where you can find tea being made with lukewarm water from the tap claims to have found the recipe for a perfect cuppa‚” British newspaper The Guardian quipped. The Brits take their tea-making seriously‚ using a kettle to heat the water to just the right temperature and steeping their tea for a set amount of time‚ while Americans dare to pop a mug of water in the microwave and haphazardly leave their tea bag for however long they feel like. (It's kind of a perfect example of ingrained American rebellion against monarchical tradition‚ really.)Folks at the U.S. Embassy in the U.K. recognized that salt-in-tea controversy had landed the nation in some hot water‚ so they issued an official response. And naturally‚ it includes some lighthearted trolling of our friends across the pond. "An important statement on the latest tea controversy‚" the Embassy wrote on X‚ with an image of an official United States Embassy Press Release. An important statement on the latest tea controversy. \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 — (@) It begins by explaining that media reports of an American professor's "perfect" cup of tea recipe "has landed our special bond with the United Kingdom in hot water." "Tea is the elixir of camaraderie‚" it continues‚ "a sacred bond that unites our nations. We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our Special Relationship."Ohhh‚ somebody at the Embassy had their cookies today. "Therefore we want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain's national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be‚" reassured the Embassy. "Let us unite in our steeped solidarity and show the world that when it comes to tea‚ we stand as one." A perfectly diplomatic response‚ followed by the ultimate American tea troll:"The U.S. Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way—by microwaving it." Oh yes‚ they did. Now‚ some may lament that an official government agency would have the time to troll an entire country over a cup of tea‚ but it's not like the U.S. Embassy in the U.K. is on a complex diplomatic mission. Our countries have been close friends and allies for a long time‚ despite our fight for independence in the 18th century‚ so a little friendly banter is just what we should expect.For their part‚ the U.K. government officially responded with a quintessentially understated retort. "We appreciate our Special Relationship‚ however‚ we must disagree wholeheartedly… Tea can only be made using a kettle." In response‚ to the statement put out by the US Embassy in the UK: \n\nWe appreciate our Special Relationship‚ however‚ we must disagree wholeheartedly...\n\nTea can only be made using a kettle. — (@) The U.K. Defence Journal offered a bit stronger of a reaction‚ writing‚ "The United Kingdom will be declaring war on the United States." The United Kingdom will be declaring war on the United States. — (@) Perhaps we can all sit down and discuss this civilly…over a cup of microwaved tea.

Sometimes you see something so sweet that it just makes you emotional‚ even if you don't know the people on your screen. But when you're witnessing a true expression of love it takes those feelings to another level. At least that's what seems to be true for people that stumbled across a sweet video by Dani and Colton‚ a duo that goes by the stage name ni/co.The pair aren't just bandmates‚ they're actually engaged to be married and recently Dani surprised Colton with a song she secretly recorded about their love story. You can see once the song starts to play just how nervous she was being so emotionally exposed to her partner‚ yet how beautifully safe she felt being that exposed with him. Dani sang along only glancing Colton's way then hiding her face as it all sank in. Colton's reaction when he realized the words of the chorus the look he gives can only be described as magic. He looks at her like she's magic.The song‚ "On Purpose‚" and the video that clearly shows how much they love each other have commenters gushing over their love and sharing their own stories."Being loved intentionally is one of the reasons I married my husband. We’re together now over 31 years and he is still my best friend and biggest cheerleader who reminds my constantly that I do deserve love‚ when others had made me feel otherwise. Hold onto him and continue your love song‚" one person writes.Another person says‚ "Absolutely sobbbingggggg. Thinking this could be me and my fiancés first dance cause WOW incredible song writing. All the feels.""Honestly‚ this brought me to tears. Your disclosure about two kids of divorce hit home for me because I was raised watching divorce between my parents and my siblings. This is absolutely beautiful and intentional‚" someone else reveals."Ok why am I crying here. I don’t even know y’all. Good grief. Well I’ll say this‚ one‚ he adores you‚ two‚ he’s legit. Moms know. Blessings to y’all‚" a commenter writes.Dani and Colton have now released the full version of the song‚ "On Purpose‚" and it can be found on any music streaming service. In the full song‚ Colton sings the second verse and you can see why they not only make an adorable couple be an amazing vocal duo. Check out the video below: See on Instagram

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