Cultural difference in friendships

[Michaela123]

So I have a dear friend in Peru. We talk/call on a daily basis. 99% of the time my friend will call me. Usually I will get a call in the morning, even just for 10 minutes and then usually messages all through the day. Or a call during his lunch break or when my friend is with friends.

I talked to another friend from Peru and I was told this behaviour is normal as those people consider their friends like family and they talk to eachother all day, every day.

I speak to my friends (USA) maybe twice a month and if I would try to talk to them every day, they would probably think it's weird and unfriend me.

Is this true that Latin American people cherish their friends as if they are family and want to talk to them all day, every day? Or is there more going on. I just can't imagine someone putting so much time and energy in a friendship.

[Wiseman2]

26 minutes ago, Michaela123 said:

So I have a dear friend in Peru. usually messages all through the day. Or a call during his lunch break .I just can't imagine someone putting so much time and energy in a friendship.

How long have you known each other? How do you know each other? Have you ever met in person? Is there a romantic interest?

Some people are into the texting all day every day thing, some are not. Are you hoping it means more than friends?

Edited July 25, 2023 by Wiseman2

[leafverdant]

It's wonderful to hear about the strong bond you share with your friend in Peru. Different cultures have unique approaches to friendships, and it's true that in Latin American cultures, friendships are often cherished deeply, akin to family bonds. Regular communication and frequent calls are indeed common, as they prioritize maintaining close connections with their friends.

While this behavior might seem different from what you're used to with your friends in the USA, it's essential to remember that cultural norms and expectations around friendships can vary widely. It's not a matter of one approach being better or worse than the other; it's about understanding and appreciating the diverse ways people build and nurture relationships.

Your friend's regular calls and messages are an expression of care and affection, and it shows how much they value your friendship. Embracing these cultural differences can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's backgrounds. It's a beautiful aspect of global friendship that allows us to learn and grow together. If you feel comfortable with the frequent communication, it can be a lovely way to strengthen your bond even more! However, if it becomes overwhelming for you, open communication with your friend about your preferences can help strike a balance that works for both of you. Remember, friendships can be diverse and unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining them.

[Michaela123]

On 7/25/2023 at 6:22 PM, leafverdant said:

It's wonderful to hear about the strong bond you share with your friend in Peru. Different cultures have unique approaches to friendships, and it's true that in Latin American cultures, friendships are often cherished deeply, akin to family bonds. Regular communication and frequent calls are indeed common, as they prioritize maintaining close connections with their friends.

While this behavior might seem different from what you're used to with your friends in the USA, it's essential to remember that cultural norms and expectations around friendships can vary widely. It's not a matter of one approach being better or worse than the other; it's about understanding and appreciating the diverse ways people build and nurture relationships.

Your friend's regular calls and messages are an expression of care and affection, and it shows how much they value your friendship. Embracing these cultural differences can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's backgrounds. It's a beautiful aspect of global friendship that allows us to learn and grow together. If you feel comfortable with the frequent communication, it can be a lovely way to strengthen your bond even more! However, if it becomes overwhelming for you, open communication with your friend about your preferences can help strike a balance that works for both of you. Remember, friendships can be diverse and unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining them.

Thank you so much for your very nice message. Yes, I totally agree and it indeed is not a question of which approach is better or worse. That is why I asked because I do value his friendship very much and would not want to make the wrong assumptions. I do see him as a dear friend and nothing more.

 

[Michaela123]

On 7/25/2023 at 2:52 AM, Wiseman2 said:

How long have you known each other? How do you know each other? Have you ever met in person? Is there a romantic interest?

Some people are into the texting all day every day thing, some are not. Are you hoping it means more than friends?

I uave known him for 2 years now. We met through a mutual friend, but we have never met. From my side there is no romantic interest. And that is why I wanted to ask because if this behaviour is done because he has a romantic interest, we'd have to talk about that. But I did not just want to assume it was without understanding cultural differences.

[glows]

Since you’ve never met before and can’t tell if you’d ever meet anyway, I don’t see what’s the issue. It’s not going to become anything more than a pen pal type of situation. Take it for what it is and don’t read into it.

I think you may be overthinking this one if (and that’s a big if) going down the route that there’s something on his end.

[Wiseman2]

3 hours ago, Michaela123 said:

 if this behaviour is done because he has a romantic interest, we'd have to talk about that. 

He doesn't seem to be bringing that up so try to enjoy the friendship. Think of it this way: You're not from his culture and you're doing the same thing, so it's not cultural.  Enjoy it for what it's worth.