Job Discussion Forums

[fiorella]

I just moved to Buenos Aires and am wondering about customs between men and women here. Do men and women exchange phone numbers here on a just friendly basis more than in the US? Or is it usually under the same guise? I am here with my boyfriend, and am not quite sure what is appropriate and what is not in this category.
Thank you.

[matttheboy]

Men and women are rarely friends in Argentina without there being some interest (mutual or otherwise). It's a bit of a Latin thing- this attitude is obviously seen in Northern Europe and USA as well but to a much lesser extent. Some Argentine men don't think like this but most do...very macho.

I've had a few girl-friends stay with me over the last few weeks and the security guys on the door have greeted me with "Mas????" and a look of incredulity/envy/blokey wink. I've given up trying to explain they're only friends and that this is normal in england: it just seems easier to smile smugly and make them more envious...

[amy1982]

um... yeah, i agree with matt. it is possible to be friends, and it does happen, but it is by FARRRRRRRR the exception rather than the rule. telling them you have a boyfriend helps, but not always... some people have very weird ideas about US women. it can be kind of frustrating if you're used to having a lot of guy friends and just hanging out, but it is possible. it may take a lot of patience (and persistence!) on your part. and unfortunately, for of the guys that walk up to you on the street, professing their undying love, they aren't interested in friendship...

i'm not sure what circumstances you're under, but i HIGHLY recommend guarding your phone number and just giving out an email address until you know someone a bit...

[carlos-england]

The cry of many and american-European girl
before they take off from Jorge Newberry in tears
and frustration 'I only asked him for a coffee/to help
me with my dissetation etc etc' with this innocent gesture
ending up being a stalking matter where it gets out
of control...

The good thing for us blokes is of course is that you definetely
know when an Argentine girl is interested in you... and for that
I thank the blokes of Argentina... cheers... no more wasting time
if the realtionship is just 'platonic' just get in there and no time
wasted... nice one!!!

This doesn't help you... so... you can make friends like with
men of 60 years old or with other foreigners who are male and know
what the score is. plantonic friendships with Argentine males could be made but is not worth the hassle...

Matt, thats the best thing. Just give the doormen a wink and
tell them youre the man!!! hahahaha thats what I would do anyway

[amy1982]

60 probably isn't old enough...

[citruscinders]

It's also about where you meet the guys too. I lived in a student resident/hostel and am good friends with several guys from Argentina and other parts of Latin America. The guys you meet at bars, like most guys all over the world, generally only want one thing. And when you reject them, they turn into the nastiest opposite of the clingly lovey-dovey guy you were talking to a split second before. Like you just ran over their dog three times over. (This can actually be funny, depending on how perverse you are.) Anyways, don't worry Fiorella, you'll adjust and adapt. Have fun!