Some More of My Observations

Moving to Italy has been a revelation—a journey from a world of meticulously scheduled encounters to one where every greeting feels like an open invitation to embrace life in its fullest, warmest form. Here, even the simplest hello is a prelude to an impromptu dinner party, a candid conversation, or a spontaneous shared moment that lingers long after the evening fades. It’s this unrestrained warmth, this delightful unpredictability in everyday interactions, that has made my new life here so incredibly enriching.

In the humorous article below, I’ve captured those very moments with a playful take on the striking differences between American and Italian social rituals. From the calculated casual meet-ups in Boston to the vibrant, soul-filled gatherings in Italy, these exaggerated exchanges highlight how deeply meaningful and joyfully spontaneous human connection can be when nurtured in a community that values presence over precision. Enjoy this lighthearted look at what makes Italy, for me, the undisputed champion of heart and conversation.

A (fake but only slightly exaggerated) pair of conversations that demonstrate what I love most about Italy.

In Boston:

Me: Hey, we haven’t seen each other in a while. We should really get together.

Friend: Absolutely – it’s been almost four months! How about we grab a quick beer on the third Thursday of next month? My daughter’s cello lesson ends at 6:30, and my son’s lacrosse practice starts at 7:30, so I should have a good half hour. We can really catch up!

Me: OK! I look forward to seeing you.

• Friend: Me too. Just let me leave the option to cancel late. We’re going on vacation soon – only six months from now – so my wife might make me stay home that night so we can book hotels.

In Italy:

Me: Hey, we haven’t seen each other in a while. We should really get together.

Friend: Absolutely! It’s been almost two weeks! Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? We are going to make pasta alla gricia. I have a nice grappa for the end of the night too. … Can you just pick up some guanciale from the macellaio?

Me: OK! I look forward to seeing you. But don’t your kids have activities tonight and school tomorrow morning?

Friend: Yes. My daughter will go to her friend’s house after cello. Could you pick up my son from his soccer practice on your way over? And yes, because it’s a school night, we’ll try to wrap up the night by 1am.

Just for laughs, some more of my observations:

“I’ll call you back in two minutes”

 : I’ll call you back in two minutes

 : I’ll call you back sometime in the next day or two. Maybe.

Stop sign 

: Come to a full complete stop. Hands at 10 and 2. Look both ways, gently ease into the intersection, and then accelerate through, always minding the speed limit.

: Does your gut instinct tell you that there might be a car coming in the other direction? If so, then maybe consider slowing down. If you’re not in a hurry.

You’re in your apartment, dressed in your pajama top and sweatpants when you realize that you need to run to the convenient store to grab something. What do you change into?

: Change? Just slip into a pair of flip-flops and go!

: Tailored dress shirt, slightly unbuttoned at the top for a relaxed yet casual vibe. Slim fit herringbone blazer. Dark tailored slacks or chinos. Leather Oxford shoes. Pocket square for the blazer. Skip the silk scarf, since you’re only going to the convenience store.

Your barista, your butcher, and your barber know:

: your typical coffee order, your favorite cut of beef, and your usual hairstyle

: How you think Fiorentina’s coach mismanaged last night’s game, how your son did on his entrance exam last week, and when your daughter’s dance exhibition was rescheduled for. And your typical coffee order, favorite cut of beef, and usual hairstyle.

Response to “what do you do for work?”

 : an invitation to impress you with advanced educational credentials, imply a big salary, and boast about lack of sleep

: confusion about why you are asking such an irrelevant question.

Cost of an ice cream/gelato:

: $7

 : 2 euros if you look and speak Italian

       3 euros if you look like a foreigner but speak Italian

       5 euros if you look like a foreigner but try to speak broken Italian

      7 euros if you look like a foreigner and speak in English

      15 euros if you look like a foreigner, speak English, and have a camera and fanny pack.

This article is also posted on La Lovely Vita