Close your eyes mom and dad, I’m about to talk about cooties and romance. Don’t freak, it’s all a part of the growing up process and experiencing life and opportunities as they are offered to us, right? I’m here to discuss the topic of i ragazzi (boys eek). You know, those Italian stallions that everyone asks about when I mention that I study in Italy.
To be honest, I’m not necessarily attracted to your classic Italian man, with their dark features, too tight jeans and freshly groomed hair… but I do appreciate how much they understand and appreciate romance. I’m talking when an Italian man calls to ask you out on a nice date rather than sending a text to ask you to hang out. Italians as a whole know the importance of wining and dining, and they love even more to show their knowledge of it. From my experiences, I’ve found that no matter how well an Italian may know you or what their true intentions and feelings are, they want to show off what their nonna (grandmother) and mamma taught them.
I think it’s really important to experience dating in another culture because every upbringing has something different to offer. And through these “cultural experiences”, we are gradually able to define the aspects in partners that we seek and are attracted to. I love dates because they are a set aside time to talk with the other person, share a meal, do an activity, anything really. Especially when you go on a date in another country, you are able to learn about the culture first hand.
The first time I went on a real date with an Italian I was taken out to a beautiful Italian restaurant. At this point in time, I was still struggling with my Italian and hadn’t experienced eating out much because I didn’t do much of that during my time in Florence. My date explained to me how i primi piatti are typically pasta dishes while i secondi piatti are typically meats or fish. We passed the next 4 hours at dinner (Italian meals are a marathon) drinking a glass of Sangiovese wine, eating a perfectly cooked steak and teaching each other about our cultures, where we come from and what our families are like. Although two people may have been raised on opposite sides of the world, the fun part is discovering the similarities and qualities in life that you both appreciate.
Coming from a culture where PDA (Public Display of Affection) is looked down upon, it was initially hard to adjust to seeing couples make out on the streets. Yet throughout the year I realized that expressing affection is a healthier way to live. Why must we hide the fact that we love each other, that we appreciate spending time with one another? I find myself wondering why we are taught that it is wrong. Nowadays when I see a couple enjoying their time together and expressing their love for one another, it makes me happy for them. To display affection is a freeing feeling, it should not be something we hide.
To be honest, I’m a little nervous to go back to California where PDA and nonchalant dating is the norm. I know times are a’changing and all, but must we lose the beauty of romance and dating? Even the one year old I babysit is constantly being told by his bisnonna (great grandmother) to stroke my face and “fai caro” (be sweet). He looks at me with his big brown eyes, sweet little smile and pets the side of my face. That is what I call carino (cute), am I right?
Expressing love is something that shines out of every corner of Italy, from the nonna using every ounce of her effort to make fresh pasta for her family, to a friend greeting you with “ciao bellissima” and a double cheek kiss.
To finish this up short and sweet: no matter where I may be in the world, my heart will always be running back to Italy.
Con amore,
Lily
Fatto Con California Love 