"I do notice that when I've been away and I come back to London. People look at you. People are ready to pick arguments"

In this quote, Colin Firth offers an intriguing observation on the social dynamics he views upon going back to London after being away. The statement recommends a sense of unease or tension that he recognizes in the behavior of individuals around him. Firth keeps in mind that individuals in London "take a look at you" and seem "ready to select arguments", suggesting a level of scrutiny or conflict that stands out upon his return.

Simplifying, the very first part of the quote, "I do observe that when I've been away and I come back to London", shows a contrast in between his experiences elsewhere and those in London. This highlights London's special social environment as viewed by Firth, suggesting that, in his view, the city might possess a hidden, pervasive stress not discovered in other places.

The assertion that "people take a look at you" can be interpreted as a heightened sense of awareness or judgment. London, being a big and dynamic city, is known for its variety and typically impersonal nature. The act of looking may recommend that people become more safeguarded or evaluative in urban settings, where personal area and privacy are at the same time plentiful and limited.

The latter part of the quote, "People are prepared to pick arguments", speaks to a perceived contentiousness in interpersonal interactions. It might indicate that Londoners, possibly due to the hectic and demanding nature of city life, might show much shorter tempers or be more susceptible to confrontational exchanges. This readiness to argue may not necessarily signify hostility but could reflect a cultural characteristic of directness or assertiveness.

Overall, Firth's observation paints a photo of London as a city where interactions can be charged with an energy that is not constantly inviting or peaceful. It underscores the intricacies of city living, where privacy and examination exist together, and where interactions can quickly intensify from neutral to confrontational.