Personal Space
This derserves its own topic because as an American one of the biggests things I´ve noticed about Spain is the lack of personal space!
It's true that Spainish culture is very tight and close. However, sometimes it can be a bit ....too close. I have been in many situations where people will talk extremely close to your face or put their hands around your neck to try to pull you in closer to make sure you hear what´s being said.
First and foremost I need to say that Spainish people already speak loud! you don´t need go very close to hear whats going on. Another thing I can´t understand is that when you're riding the metro or bus and there are tons of empty seats, someone will always sit right next to you.
It took me some time to adjust to this as I have always enjoyed my personal bubble, but living here I had to say goodbye and adjust quickly!
Many things that are considered normal here would be an HR nightmare in the U.S. A good example would be greetings. We usually shake hands with strangers when meeting them for the first time, but in Spain they give two kisses on the cheek.
When a woman first leaned in to kiss my cheek I quickly took two full steps backards and was like "whoa what are you doing?". After it was explained to me that this is a normal greeting, I felt a bit awkward, not just from my reaction, but that I originally didn´t feel comfortable doing it. However, its completely normal for me now. Should you decide to visit say goodbye to your personal bubble and say hello to warm snuggly closeness!
To hear about the top five things I don´t like about Spain check out my video below!
Hasta luego!
I personally like the way they greet people in Spain. I think if we greeted people like that in the U.S it would be a better place. Don't you?
ResponderEliminarI do like the way they greet people, but it took me time to adjust because it wasn't something that I was used to, but now I'm so used to it I might have a hard time not doing it if I ever go back to the U.S.
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