Social Interactions in Spain and the United States by Yovelys Alvarez Lara

During the few last months I have been in Spain, I have noticed differences when it comes to social life or social interactions in Spain in comparison with the United States. Spain is more of a social “going out” country while the United States is more of a conservative and “I need my space” country. One big factor for these differences besides culture could be the weather.

I have noticed how in Spain is trendy to always go out with friends and socialize outside the house. It is not likely for someone to go to a Spaniard house for a visit and spend time there. College students during their breaks get together with friend and go out to drink a beer and relax. They are even allowed to drink inside the institution as a casual interaction with friends. While in the United States this is not a common activity. People are more on their own and always on a rush and most of the time they just do not have time to socialize. The workforce plays a huge role in United States emphasizing how if someone is not running late for work, they are getting out of work, tired and wanting to go home to sleep after 8-15 hours shift or an overnight shift.

As well, culture is a big influence in these interactions. The European culture is more relaxing, everyone takes their time to places and just enjoy walking around, while in the American culture people are more on a hurry and always having to do many things at the same time. Most people are too busy to even interact with their neighbors. Finally, I would say that weather is also a big influence to these differences. Spain or Europe in general has a better weather than the United States. People are able to go for walks and hang outside the house more often because there is not snow or zero degrees’ temperature that can avoid it. Also, people are seen to be happier due to the amount of sunny days the country gets. I would say that snow, cloudy clouds and cold weather have a huge impact on Americans mood occasioning them to become less happy and preventing them from enjoying their outside or surroundings.