Hola, one of the many ways we greet people in Spain. Today I'm going to tell you how people interact in Spain. When men meet for the first time they will greet with a simple handshake. Good friends will often add a pat on the back and if they have not seen each other in a while they will sometimes give each other a hug. Women will greet with a kiss on each cheek. These kisses are often between a man and woman who have met for the first time. Some of the things we say in Spain when greeting are: Buenos días (Good day), Buenas tardes (Good afternoon), Buenas noches (Good evening), and the more casual Hola (Hi). Friends or younger people may ask each other ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?) instead of the more formal ¿Cómo está?, which is used to show respect for older people. Other local greetings may change according to the language of the region. Spaniards address professionals or older people by family name and title, such as Señor (Mr.), Señora (Mrs.), and Señorita (Miss). The titles Don and Doña are used with the first name to show special respect. Close friends and young people call each other by first name. We don't have "bubbles" like Americans do. We enjoy physical contact with our friends. When we are talking we stand close to each other and will often touch the other person's arm. We make a lot of eye contact, which would be very awkward for other cultures. We use a lot of sarcasm and hand movement while talking. We are very loud people, we laugh a lot, and we smile a lot. Pointing at another person is very impolite. It is okay for women to show emotion in public, but not men. We do still believe in chilvary and guys do hold doors open for girls. In Spain we enjoy visiting each other. We will often stay at a person's house for hours. It is very impolite to arrive at someone's house uninvited. It is okay is an invitaion to someone's house is ignored. It is often expected to be ingnored. Do not openly decline an invitation though, it is very disrespectful. It is very polite to bring a gift to the person's house you are attending. The host will normally serve light snacks while you are at their home.

Family life is very important to us. Divorce rates are very low here and we usually have two children in the household. The father is the head of the household and the woman will usually stay at home to care for the children. Dating starts around the age of 14 in groups and 18 as just a couple. I can finally date on my own now, it's so much fun. My mom has approved of my girlfriend and I hope we will stay together to get married in our late 20s like most people do. I have been saving up money so if we do get married I will be able to buy an apartment.

Buenas Noches!