Subtle Difference Between Spanish and American Talking Habits

It took me coming to Spain to realize not everyone looks at you when you're walking and talking with them!
I was raised with the idea that 'if someone is talking to you, you look at them to signify you're paying attention' it didn't matter the circumstance.
Then I come to Madrid....different story!
Do you look at the person you talk to when you’re walking?
#madrid #culture #american #eyecontact #travellife #reality #spain #europe #walkwithme

[@petersteinmeijer519]

Remind me to never get into a car when you do the driving.

[@qqdove5037]

Tira palante… tira palante que vaya cosas tienes

[@FeelMetalMan]

oh yeah we like look around when talking, unless what someone is saying is particularly amusing. Like a cigarette outside with a workmate: you'll be switching between looking around and looking at your colleague, and if they say something that gets your attention then and only then people will stare constantly, until the talking point is over.

[@MikeBenko]

I've been living in Madrid since 2009. I think the main difference is the intensity of the eye contact. Spanish people do this whole "look in the general direction, sort of at the face of the person" more, while we do EYE CONTACT. While that won't be as jarring for them if you are having like a standing face to face or sit down conversation with a friend, it will be a bit more confusing if you do it to a coworker, stranger or in group situations etc.

[@LoBellver]

Never heard of that before and I'm spanish.

[@janvandenhurk3251]

Here in Europe you only look at eachother (not staring) when you sit or stand still .... the staring might implement that you're in love with them, wich might break up the friendship .... in Europe we are more down to earth, especially in my home country 'the Netherlands' .... we are direct

[@Dylan-rx6wi]

Spain is Europe Man and we do the exact opposite

[@O1OO1O1]

I don't walk with people, so I wouldn't know. I find it curious that within a year in another country, you have a "good" friend. Cultural differences aren't just geographic. They also stem from class and privilege. Something to reflect on.

[@susanam.826]

What are you trying to say?

[@O1OO1O1]

@@susanam.826 that even within the same country, where people who speak the same language and have a shared, familiar culture due to nationality, there are people who have completely different experiences.
It's meant to raise awareness beyond the narrow confines of the question that was being asked. Culture is about more than geography. It is about class and privilege.

[@jordilt3449]

@@O1OO1O1 and you are not able to make friends within your social class, without cultural nor language barriers, so you perceive the need to raise social awareness about your difficulty to make friends? Because this is what i've understood. And, maybe, you need to move beyond your confort zone (social class, same geography, same language, etc) because, maybe, in other geographical, social, cultural contexts, making friends would be easier for you. Specially if the ones with which you are related have also the need of making a claim about raising awareness about strictly individual problems that require to move the ass from the chair instead of expecting that someone else do that for you.
maybe.

[@edgarmaestre6622]

Wait, you don't walk with people?