September 2013
Dating in Italy is different. No one asks, "what are we?" There's no exclusivity conversation. It's just assumed that after 2 months hanging out together, meeting each other's friends, that you are a couple. The only time it's talked about, with the "will you go out with me?" is in middle school. I like it; it sends a clear message through actions. That harks back to the cliche, actions speak louder than words.
Baci are kisses which you greet your friends and family with. It's 2 kisses: 1 on the left cheek first, then 1 on the right cheek. The Spanish greet also with kisses, but they start on the right cheek then go to the left cheek. The Dutch greet with 3 kisses, left, right, then left. It gets confusing at times depending on who you are talking to and where you are.
Now, often, friends will conclude an email with "Baci" or "Baci e abbracci" (Kisses and hugs). This is the normal salutation just sent electronically. But if you are romantically involved with someone, I am told that you conclude the email with "Un Bacione" (a big kiss) and if you concluded it with "Baci" the other party would be taken aback. Baci? Baci are what you give your aunt. But later I've seen emails from friends concluded with "Un bacione" and I don't know what to think. An "abbracione" is a big hug.
In America, we say, I love you, to friends, lovers, boyfriends/girlfriends, mothers, fathers, children, etc. The context you say it within is understood, and it's just one phrase. The Italian have complexity, delicate layers, like that can be found with the millefoglie pastry or lasagna. I've heard different explanations. "Ti voglio bene" is used often. It means I care about you. You say it to you family, close friends, and even boyfriend/girlfriend and husband/wife. "Ti amo" is reserved for more romantic, intimate relationships, but I don't think it's used very often. "Mi piachi tu" doesn't really work or maybe it's said when to express a desire to escalate the relationship.
No comments:
Post a Comment