We were eating pizza. It was our first time going out together and I already knew that I was talking too much. I knew that because I looked down at the table and the pizza was all gone. I didn’t even finish my first piece and he had already eaten the other seven. Oh my gosh! I did not realize that my hands and I were doing all the talking for the last 30 minutes. I tried to control myself and keep them on the table, but I couldn’t keep my mouth shut and my hands still.
The less he talked, the more nervous I would get. I wanted to hear about him too, but he didn’t interrupt me once to talk about himself. Still, every time I had to make a pause to catch my breath, he would just nod, ask another weird question about my goals in life, and stuff his mouth with food. So, under these circumstances, I did what girls do better; I ran to the restroom.
It was my first time going out with an American guy and that was making me nervous. This whole dating thing was kind of awkward for me because in my country things would have been totally different. In Brazil, people are much more physical. We frequently touch, hug and kiss each other. Plus, we are not shy about expressing our feelings and affection in public.
So, if I was in Brazil, I have no doubt that the first step for this guy would be making out with me instead of asking tons of strange questions. Making out would be his way of saying: “Hey, nice to meet you! I’m attracted to you, let’s get to know each other?” Then, after making out, if we had chemistry and liked each other, we would probably exchange numbers, and maybe go out another time. I know, the Brazilian way is so nasty.
But be careful girl, in the United States, making out means that the guy might score, so he will definitely try to take you home. In this case, if you are a person that is traveling or living abroad, and you don't know the local social code, control yourself girl. Think twice before making out overseas.
The less he talked, the more nervous I would get. I wanted to hear about him too, but he didn’t interrupt me once to talk about himself. Still, every time I had to make a pause to catch my breath, he would just nod, ask another weird question about my goals in life, and stuff his mouth with food. So, under these circumstances, I did what girls do better; I ran to the restroom.
It was my first time going out with an American guy and that was making me nervous. This whole dating thing was kind of awkward for me because in my country things would have been totally different. In Brazil, people are much more physical. We frequently touch, hug and kiss each other. Plus, we are not shy about expressing our feelings and affection in public.
So, if I was in Brazil, I have no doubt that the first step for this guy would be making out with me instead of asking tons of strange questions. Making out would be his way of saying: “Hey, nice to meet you! I’m attracted to you, let’s get to know each other?” Then, after making out, if we had chemistry and liked each other, we would probably exchange numbers, and maybe go out another time. I know, the Brazilian way is so nasty.
But be careful girl, in the United States, making out means that the guy might score, so he will definitely try to take you home. In this case, if you are a person that is traveling or living abroad, and you don't know the local social code, control yourself girl. Think twice before making out overseas.
In the United States for example, it seems that things happen different compared to Brazil. It’s very confusing. First, they want to know everything about you, it’s like a job interview. They want to know all your hopes and dreams, where do you work, how much do you make, if you want to have kids, all this kind of stuff. And then, just then, just after this whole nonsense interrogation, that they think about physical connection. Weird! What if you don’t have chemistry?
For me, it seems that if you don’t fulfill all their requirements, they wouldn’t even consider going out with you, they wouldn’t get emotionally involved with anybody that doesn’t achieve their expectations of a “perfect” partner. But hey, I'm not applying to be anybody's wife. What's the point of having somebody that fulfills all those requirements if you don't really like each other?
For me, it seems that if you don’t fulfill all their requirements, they wouldn’t even consider going out with you, they wouldn’t get emotionally involved with anybody that doesn’t achieve their expectations of a “perfect” partner. But hey, I'm not applying to be anybody's wife. What's the point of having somebody that fulfills all those requirements if you don't really like each other?
However, there I was, trying to take a break from all the dating awkwardness in that restroom with no privacy, while he was there, sitting at the table, probably also giving himself a break from all the crazy nonstop talk. Anyways, the restroom was not helping me to calm down at all.
Argh!!... Another weird thing here in the United States are the restrooms. Why do Americans design toilet cubicles that provide no privacy? This tiny crack between the door and the doorframe is definitely big enough for the other women in this restroom see me crouching, with no pants, trying not to pee on myself. So uncomfortable! Ok, I think it’s time to go back to the table or he will think that I have an upset stomach.
Argh!!... Another weird thing here in the United States are the restrooms. Why do Americans design toilet cubicles that provide no privacy? This tiny crack between the door and the doorframe is definitely big enough for the other women in this restroom see me crouching, with no pants, trying not to pee on myself. So uncomfortable! Ok, I think it’s time to go back to the table or he will think that I have an upset stomach.
this is so funny you are so goofy! and hearing your experiences while trying to blend in American culture is awesome! I had no idea Americans usual dating protocol was so different and yours does sound better for becoming conferrable with a potential spouse :) Your are very whimsical and happy sounding and I like it, keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteOMG!! You made my day... I loved when you said I'm whimsical! I had to look at the dictionary first, but after I read the definition I started feeling like a professional writer... hahaha. Thank you again! :)
DeleteHmm, your first post, as entertaining as your first was; which was really funny. Only a few things were unclear. some of your phrases were unclear. I liked how you just jumped into your first anecdote about your first date with an American. Yet you never specified which country your originally from. What are some other cultural difference are there that you are use to seeing or do I have to wait for the next post. I thoroughly enjoyed the misadventure of ms. Ella. cant wait to see what happens next!
ReplyDeleteI really like your comments, you always give me stuff to improve and ideas to work on. Now, I won't answer your question about where I'm from... haha. I'm trying to add a survey on the blog, so you guys can try to guess.. hopefully, that will be done by next week. Thank you for commenting, and please, keep doing it, you always make me improve my posts.
DeleteThis is a very good example of how choices in design can enhance the content of your blog. Nicely done! I also LOVE your topic and I'm already wondering what you will write about next.
ReplyDeleteWow... What an honor having Mrs. Kelly commenting on my blog!! I'm glad you liked it! :))
DeleteI think you bring up valid points regarding how the American dating scene is very much like a job interview. I feel that the reason for this goes back to the very founding of the country by the Puritans way back in the 1600's, since the very beginning the United States has been centered around making a living and working hard, so it's no surprise that we date in an interview like fashion, because in many ways, it is.
ReplyDeleteRegarding how physical (or lack there of) the dating gets, that also goes back to the very conservative religious founding of this great nation.
As for the cracks in the bathroom stalls..... blame the architect.
That was a VERY insightful comment. Plus, having an American guy commenting about my perception of dating in America, add a lot to this blog. I'm happy you did it! And please keep doing it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with your perspective, we should look back to the history of our countries to try to understand ourselves a little bit better. In the case of my country, I think we are more comfortable then other countries with our sexuality because of our Indian roots. We have many ethnicities blended in our culture, but I think that the national Indians had an especial influence in our way to deal with sexuality. First, because they even don’t wear clothes. Then, because until our colonization by Portugal in the 15th century, the Indians didn’t have the influence of Catholicism, a religion that considers sex a sin and that we should be ashamed of our bodies.