Friendships / relationships in Latin America
Are friendships / relationships taken seriously or lightly in Latin America?
I live in Japan, and my time zone is totally opposite of the time zone of my friends in Colombia. I'm confused because some of them act like I'm their worst friend if can't call them, because it's like the middle of the night for me when they're having lunch, or I'm working when it's their night time.
I'm just wondering. Do they take promises / "the future tense" seriously too? If I say I will call them sometime, do they expect a phone call the next day or so?
I know I'm speaking generally, but anything even suggestions will help. Thanks!
2 Answers
I was once invited to a dinner party at my husband's client's home at 8 p.m. They told us we were the guests of honor. We showed up at 8 p.m. and got the hostess out of the shower. The other guests did not show up for another hour and a half. It was a little embarrassing.
Also, I meet some Mexican friends for breakfast or lunch every other month or so. I show up at the time they tell me to. They show up one half hour later, after they have discussed that I am American and very prompt.
Obviously, there is some other system. I wish someone would explain it to me.
In my experience in Latin America, time is truly a fluid medium. If you invite someone to come over for dinner at 6, they might come at 7, and not even consider it worth mentioning. Or people will agree to do something, nod and smile, and then... not do it. Part of this is that it is considered impolite to say no, but, but mostly, it's just a different way of living. And once you accept it, it's actually just fine.
That being said, it seems wierd that your friends in Columbia insist on punctuality. I've never been there, but I have spent a lot of time in Central America and Mexico. So, I don't really know what to tell you!
A mystery...
J
