Here's Something Americans Need to Understand about Mexican Culture (I Insist)

“I’ve been lonely since moving here, and now I know why,” commented Aida from Lebanon. “I’ve been in the United States eight years already. When people in the office would ask me if I wanted to go to lunch, I would say `no´ to be polite, fully expecting them to ask me again. When they didn’t and left without me, I thought they really didn’t want me along. In my culture, it would have been too forward to say `yes´ the first time.”

Thus begins the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah A. Lanier, a guide to Understanding Hot and Cold Climate Cultures.¹

“For this reason,” Aida said, “I’ve made few American friends. Now I know why.” Pondering the sadness of Aida’s story, Sarah decided to write her book.

The United States and Canada are cold-climate cultures while Mexico is a hot-climate culture. This basic difference can lead to many misunderstandings, especially as you get deep into the culture. As a tourist, the only obstacle you may seem to face will be the language. As an expat, the vast cul…