When first coming to Italy, I have to admit that I did harbor
some prejudice views of the Italian people. I was even a little nervous about
living with an Italian host family. But those views instantly melted away once
I met the Italian people. They are among the most warm, friendly and generous
people I have ever met.
There are a lot of differences between the American and the Italian people.
Americans tend to be much more reserved than Italians. Most Italians the instant
they meet you will come up to you with a friendly expression on their face
and greet you with a kiss on the cheeks. These are just a few characteristics
of Italian people that I observed while living with an Italian family in Sicily.
- Almost all Italian friends and family kiss each other on the cheeks upon arrival and departure. Some Italians kiss upon just meeting others, and some don’t, so be prepared for both situations. In different parts of the country there is different customs for kissing. Some places only kiss on one cheek, some places kiss on two cheeks and in Palermo they kiss three times. Also, it is not technically a kiss but more commonly just a light touching of the cheeks.
- A lot of Italians have a very loud way of talking and of expressing their emotions. What may appear to Americans as screaming is just simple conversation to the Italians.
- Italians are generally very open about their emotions and about their lives. They like to know what is going on in one another’s lives and how they are feeling on a regular basis. Don’t take this as being noisy; this is just their culture and they are trying to show you that they care about you.
- Whenever possible, try to speak the Italian language. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. They are willing to help you and love it when you speak even just a few words!
- Italians tend to be very non-judgmental people. They generally are very friendly with everyone and do not find the need to gossip and criticize one another.