They say stereotypes exist for a reason – and while I hate to admit it, sometimes I’m one dramatic hand gesture away from being cast in a telenovela. But plot twist: I’m actually pretty reserved… for a Latina. I don’t yell when I talk, I don’t overshare (unless I’m nervous), and I can sit in silence on public transport without greeting a single soul.
After testing Swiss German tongue-twisters, and learning about the unspoken social rules, I figured it was time to confront the emotional elephant in the room – am I just… too much?
The First Shock: Silence on Rails
The first time I came to Switzerland, I was 17. I came to visit my uncle and brought my best friend with me. To say I quickly realized how reserved Swiss people are is an understatement.
I’m usually the quiet, even-tempered one in my friend group. But on that trip? I felt like the Sofía Vergara of the Alps. Especially on the train. My best friend looooves to talk, and about five minutes into our loud monologue (yes, singular), I realized the carriage was dead silent – except for us. I gently asked her to tone it down, only for her to dramatically yell in Spanish: “¿Por qué me estás callando?” Cue every Swiss head turning in slow motion.
From that point on, I did everything to shrink myself: no talking on public transport, no hugging anyone unless they hug first, no animated phone calls, no bold reactions. Just respectful silence and polite nods.
Step 1 – The Research
Stereotype Showdown: Passion vs. Peace & Quiet
Let’s talk clichés. Latin Americans? Loud, emotional, animated. Swiss Germans? Reserved, neutral, efficient. And yes, it’s a spectrum – but the contrast is real.
As a Latina, I sometimes feel like I’m living in my own telenovela. My emotions don’t just show up quietly – they enter the stage left with a dramatic flair, music cue, and possibly a wind machine. If I’m sad, I’m suffering. If I’m excited, I’m ecstatic. My reactions often come with full-body expressions and raised eyebrows.
Latino mode: Emotional support AND dramatic sound effects. We don’t just say “no” – we say “Nooo, Dios mío, qué horror, cómo va a ser eso posible?” Complete with hand gestures and a full telenovela soundtrack.
Swiss mode: Subtle, measured, and deeply efficient. A simple “Hmm”, maybe a thoughtful nod, and you’re left wondering if they’re reflecting on your story… or calculating their taxes. It’s not cold – it’s just calibrated.
So… Who Am I Supposed to Be?
Sometimes I feel stuck in the middle. Too expressive for Switzerland, too quiet for Latin America. I’m like a watered-down Margarita, still Latin, but with a neutral twist.
But here’s the thing: neither way is “right” or “wrong.” I love that Swiss people take time to think before they speak. That they don’t overshare. That they value calm. I’ve learned to appreciate silence, space, and not hugging people I barely know.
But I also love my side – the passion, the warmth, the joy of expressing every thought like I’m on stage.
Step 2 – The Challenge
Can I Be Myself AND Make Swiss Friends?
For this blog’s challenge, I’m going to test one big question: Can I be my expressive Latina self and still make Swiss German friends?
Here’s the plan:
- I’ll lean into being a bit more me – a few jokes, more storytelling, maybe even a wild hand gesture or two.
- I’ll see if opening up emotionally sparks a connection or just gets me awkward stares.
- And of course, my Swiss mentor (a very neutral observer, naturally) will score my social success.
If food didn’t win them over and Swiss German pronunciation only got me polite giggles… maybe a little honest, emotional storytelling will?
Disclaimer: Handle With Humor!
This blog is based on personal experience and light generalizations, not a UN-backed cultural report. I love both my warm, emotional Latin side and my cool, calm Swiss surroundings. If you’re Swiss and don’t relate to this… you probably just nodded silently – and I appreciate that.
Next Blog Teaser: “Swiss Compliment Culture: Too Much, Too Soon?”
So I tried being emotionally open. But what about giving compliments? In Latin America, it’s practically a love language – we praise outfits, haircuts, babies, dogs… total strangers.
In Switzerland? Let’s just say compliments are a bit more… rare. Unless there’s alcohol involved.
Next up, I’ll test whether saying “I love your jacket!” earns me a new friend – or just another polite head nod. See you there!
