Here are 9 tips from a local on how to be more Mexican. Go through the list and start being more mexicano right away!
Tips to be More Mexican
1. Learn Spanish
I know that people in la Condesa, la Roma, or Polanco speak English, but the truth is that the majority of people don’t. If you go to a restaurant, supermarket, or store, cashiers won’t speak English. Cops don’t speak English either, so you better learn Spanish in case you need some help!
2. Dress Smartly
Don’t wear sweatpants and flip-flops when going out except for when you are going to the gym. Here people dress smartly even when visiting the shopping center or the supermarket. You don’t have to overdo it, though. A pair of jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt will do the job.
3. Be More Chill
Enjoy your free time. Mexicans are not all the time about business and work. Actually, we rarely talk about work. For Mexicans, there’s more to life than just work. Try to talk about something that’s not work, and go enjoy your afternoons at a park or a café.
4. How to be More Mexican When Eating:
Meals are sacred. Enjoy long meals. Especially if you’re having a meal with friends or family. As a matter of fact, in Mexico, we have sobremesa (we stay at the table chatting after a meal), this tradition is so important that it’s represented in the Spanish language.
Also, no need to rush when eating at a restaurant. Waiters won’t rush you out of the place and won’t hand you the bill if you don’t ask for it. Even if the restaurant is at full capacity.
Share your food! Share your food with your friends. We usually like to taste other’s plates.
Say: Provecho to people who are already eating or when leaving someone who is eating.
5. Family Comes First, Always.
To be more Mexican you have to understand that here family is sacred. We are always willing to get out of our way to care for family and share moments with them.
For example, we don’t leave home when we go to college we stay living with our parents. Actually, our parents would be sad if we left and vice-versa. Also, if your parents need to live with you, we won’t say no. Actually, we will go a long way to try not to send our parents to a nursing home. It’s simply not in our ADN.
Family Bonds. Mexicans life spin around the family and their bonds are strong. Families tend to stay in one state or nearby.
Karina Maciel
6. Get Used to Get Things Done by Someone Else
Here in Mexico, we let other people do some work to help them earn some money. For example, elderly people are working at the supermarkets bagging your purchases. Or “viene vienes“, people who put shopping carts back to their places and also help you park your car by telling you if another car or someone is coming through. So, let them help you, as they are just trying to earn their living.
8. Observe
Watch Mexican TV or shows on YouTube. When in Mexico do as Mexicans do. That’s the best way to learn the Mexican ways and fit better in our society.
There you go. As the saying says, while in Rome do as Romans do. Put these tips into practice, and while in Mexico do as Mexicans do. Good luck!
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