During spring break, I decided to go visit my family in Colombia and noticed something very, very interesting. Although I go to Colombia at some point every year, it became more obvious this past week that relationships in the States and Colombia are significantly different. Before I explain some of the differences, let me just say that this is all based on my personal experiences and not all of you will have the same thoughts -- but here it goes.
In Colombia, couples are annoyingly affectionate. For them, there is no such thing as excessive PDA. Make out sessions are, apparently, appropriate anywhere and any time. Seriously? No one wants to see that. Unlike my fellow Colombians, here in the States some people make a big deal about something as small as holding hands. More often than not, I have seen guys pull away as their girlfriends try to hold their hand. Some can't even take a kiss from their significant other in public without feeling embarrassed.
The most annoying difference is how whiny girls are in Colombia. I was hanging out with my cousin when his girlfriend called. The moment he picked up the phone all I heard was a dog whining. She talked like a baby and complained about how he never calls her, never texts her back, never takes her home, never anything. I had, honestly, never been so annoyed by someone's voice before. However, in my cousin's case, his girlfriend was just being a brat, but most girls speak like that every time they talk to their boyfriends. Complaining is normal, but not when that's how you sound 24/7. In Colombia, girls think that speaking in such a manner is cute and attractive, but little do they know.
What about chivalry? I guess that may be the only thing I like about men in Colombia. They are extremely special and sweet. They go all out for special holidays like Valentine's Day and Women's Day, but even better, they give their girlfriends little things for no reason at all. Colombian men treat their girls like queens, and for that reason, I'm jealous. When do you see that here in the States? Never. Nowadays, all you hear girls complain about is how cold their boyfriends are because they never get them anything without a specific holiday or reason. Men, here, confuse that with girl being high maintenance, unappreciative or annoying. They just don't get it. All we ask is that you express your love for us every chance you get. It's not about giving us material things, it's just being sweet and loving without a special reason. Men, take note, because girls get tired of that.
And how about respect? Most guys and girls here in the U.S. think they are completely independent once they turn 18 (some even think they rule the world at 16). They all move to college, get their cars, and some even move out. Not in Colombia, though. You can be 25 and you still have to ask for permission to be out late. It's not about parents being controlling or annoying, it's all about respect. It is a big moral that is instilled in us from a very young age and is never lost. In terms of relationships, many girls have to ask their parents before going out with their boyfriends, and even the guys go to their girlfriend's parents for permission. Tradition is the strongest aspect of Colombian culture and it is absolutely amazing!
