| LeeRyan, who recently immigrated to Italy as an Elective Residency Visa holder, shares her personal experience about preparing for and adjusting to life in Italy. Follow her story on Dolce Blog’s Lifestyle section. |
If you are entertaining the idea of moving to Italy to find a little privacy, you are SO moving to the wrong place!
Italians are known for keeping tabs on other people’s business. It’s not really a matter of being nosy—they’re just curious and have always lived in close quarters with one another, so they’re very aware of everyone’s business. Plus, they tend to be very expressive, as in volume! So, if they don’t see or hear you in a day or two, they’ll come knockin’ at your door, just to see that you’re alright.
Also, they have no qualms with sitting at their window and watching everyone that passes, as well as what the people across from them are doing. This said, you’ll have a heck of a time finding a spot to run around naked without an audience!
I thought I had it all figured out. If I put a curtain on this window, close the shutters on that window and walk close to this wall, I won’t be seen leaving the shower and heading into my bedroom. That was until I spotted this tiny window, in the next building, that was up above my view. They could definitely get an eyeful from my neck down to my knees if they wanted. It’s a good thing that curtains are plentiful and cheap in Italy.
I’ve had some expats tell me to not speak to people you don’t know. Hmph, I speak to anyone and everyone that makes eye contact with me, whether they’re in the next building putting out their laundry or peering down from their fourth-floor balcony. I didn’t move to Italy to perfect the art of being a recluse. I moved to Italy, partly, because of their love of the famiglia (family) and my hopes that I would be accepted as a part of the community. I was told by a local that some refer to me as the “Americana amichevole” (friendly American). This might explain why they now speak to me, first, and wave to me from their balconies.
The best advice I can give is this: don’t consider moving to Italy (or anywhere, for that matter) to see what you can get out of it. See what you can give (and not in ways to change their culture to suit yours). Be grateful in what they have to offer you and reach out with the anticipation that you will be accepted, rather than hold back with feelings of insecurity that you might not fit in. The strange thing about insecurity is that it can appear that you’re unfriendly or snobbish. Many attractive people are shy, but their timidity is often misunderstood.
Make a difference in someone’s life! When you see a head hung low or worry on someone’s face, give them a sweet smile and greeting to let them know that they’re seen and that they matter. Kindness crosses all continents and cultures and generations.
Ciao, until next time,
LeeRyan
