Comments on: A little European affection goes a long way

By: Jasmine

Jasmine — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:16:35 +0000

I am from Barcelona but I live in the US, and I’m agree with you.
I miss all this kisses and hugs from everybody, there people is affectionate, family, friends or people you just met, they will be hugging you and it’s a great feeling.
Now that I live in the US, I miss this “abrazos y besos”, now I appreciate Spain and the culture more than never.
Thank you for sharing this with us!

By: Jared Goralnick

Jared Goralnick — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:50:10 +0000

I agree that it’s much better. Generally the warmer or more spread out an area, the more welcoming people tend to be. But I think there’s a difference between more camaraderie/politeness (which, even in Spain is greater outside of the cities) and straight-up physical affection (which is a constant cultural thing). There’s something about touch that’s just different. Nice hearing from you, Elizabeth.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:39:24 +0000

American culture? Quite the generalization! Southern hospitality makes me beg to differ. Beaucoup hugs, greeting strangers on the street, calling everyone “baby.” It’s not exactly straight up physical affection, but it is certainly an affectionate culture.

By: Jared Goralnick

Jared Goralnick — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:21:11 +0000

Thanks, Aaron! Especially agree about the “professionalism facade” making us “less soulful.” Well put!

And Luc, really appreciate your perspective on how different things are here from where you grew up. I fully realize Spain is just one example and that there are places with varying degrees of affection and other cultural mannerisms with regard to how we approach each other physically. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to go through such a contrast for you. Yes, it can be “creepy” how alone some people’s distance can make us feel. Thanks for sharing.

By: Luc

Luc — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:57:35 +0000

Jared,

I’m with you on this one.

People often ask me what I found different when I moved from Haiti to the USA and my answer is always this: I was shocked by the lack of affection and warmth that people show here.

In high-school back in Haiti, every morning when you walk into school, you kiss every girl that you know when you pass by them, and you shake hands or hug your guy friends. Growing up in a society like that, it was a shock that my suitemates in college could walk into our first-year dorm and walk by me without even saying hi or acknowledging my presence by a smile or a hand gesture.

9 years later, I learned to adapt but I still find it sad and even creepy at times…

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:05:35 +0000

Must. Not. Me-too. Doh!

The tragedy is that underneath it all, everyone wants more affection in their lives. “Being professional” is a facade which makes social interaction easier and less soulful.

We hold back because of what the Joneses might think, but they want a hug as much as we do!

Welcome home Jared.

Besos! :P

By: Jared Goralnick

Jared Goralnick — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:40:52 +0000

Thanks, Andre & Aaron, for the welcome back — see you both soon.

David, well on the next trip maybe you’ll be able to come…

Tim,

Chris, let me know when you’re back in DC, k?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:31:02 +0000

Wait! You went away?! ;) jk. Sounds like you had a great time as usual. Affection doesn’t necessarily have to be romantic, and I think Europeans probably understand that better than Americans. That’s why you got that friendly-good-to-meet-you vibe.

By: Tim Koelkebeck

Tim Koelkebeck — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:25:35 +0000

Hot chick there Jared! Were these platonic hugs and kisses you’re talking about?

By: David

David — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:41:40 +0000

Agreed, American culture is the pits.