“¡Que Linda!” Men of all ages shout as the women of Buenos Aires walk down the street. It has been said that if a man doesn’t tell a woman how beautiful they are once a day while in the city, then something is wrong. As a part of the Porteño culture here, men show no shame in acknowledging the beauty of a woman.
While at first I believed it to be derogatory, I finally realized that unlike men in the United States who rarely praise women openly, the men here are serious yet playful, and most importantly, appreciative. And while I usually show no emotion on my face when I get a playful catcall – I always smile inside, thankful that someone made my day.
There is not a day that goes by that I don’t see simple acts of love throughout this city. Two older women stroll through the gardens, hand in hand, giggling like two schoolgirls. Nearby on a bench two old men lean their heads together, with delight in their eyes, whispering secrets. Under the streetlights, lovers’ young and old share a passionate kiss. On the bus a teenage daughter grabs her mother’s hand for comfort. And outside a heladeria -a grandson- feeds his feeble grandmother an ice cream cone, while animating an elaborate story.
People here hold on tight to their families, fall for love, and treasure their friendships- and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Instead of shaking a hand when meeting someone new, or waving goodbye, people embrace and kiss one another’s cheeks. Everywhere around me, people are kissing hello and goodbye in a simple gesture of affection unheard of in the United States.
Living in Buenos Aires and assimilating to the culture has taken time, but as the days go by, I find myself retreating from being shy and opening my heart more easily. Each day I greet my friends with the customary kiss on the cheek and in that sincere and warm acknowledgment, it becomes evident that the friendship matters. As a result, I have become closer with my loved ones and friends back home and I no longer waste time in sending them kisses and love.
So, in light of my revelation and the cold winter storms brewing in Utah, I propose that you warm up in a big bear hug next time you run into a friend. Make chocolate chip cookies for your neighbor or, give your Grandmother an unexpected call to say hello because if I have learned anything while studying abroad, it’s to not let a day go by without letting someone know how much you value them.