You can develop an optimistic outlook as easy as a habit of doing cardio every morning. Of course, willing to live and enjoy life is not a myth! Many people say that Italy is a country of optimistic people – and yes, if you compare Italy to other European or Northern countries, psychologists agree – this nation lives happier indeed. And none of the factors depend on the economics (which is not in the best state throughout the last decade). But people in Italy never cry over life and perceive things as they are. Maybe, there is something to learn for every other country?
NEW DAY, NEW LIFE
There is no reason to panic and forecast the end of the world. Whichever news the press will announce today, you don’t need to make an elephant out of a fly. This life principle is typical for the majority of Italians, which is not surprising, because the country has lived with Berlusconi for so many years, and the eternal crisis of the Italian economy is already almost a part of the local color. People here live and expect better things to come.
FACEBOOK IS A SOCIAL MEDIA MEANT FOR FRIENDSHIP, NOT FOR POLITICAL DEBATES
Italian profiles are always the best to look at on the social media – they all are sweet and positive. The majority of people post photos of their wives, children, memories from recent holidays and weekends. The links to the political articles are relatively rare and difficult to find. And quarrels between dissenters in the commentaries are not a normal phenomenon. For example, there are numerous cases where two Italians are both politicians, who represent competing parties, but they live perfectly together.
TELLING NICE THINGS IS EASIER THAN YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE
The Italian Ciao is not just “hello”, “see you later”, but “I treat you well”, so the magic word Ciao here can be said to each other at least 10 times a day, by the way, you need to add a smile for extra pleasure.
SAVING MONEY IS NOT AWKWARD, IT’S TOTALLY FINE!
Everyone should have a stock for a rainy day, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of while saving. Amazing friends by the depth of your pockets or buying expensive things for companions and acquaintances is just stupid and useless, and a complete waste of time. Every smart Italian can say you that – spend money on traveling and your family, don’t waste it on unnecessary things that might emphasize your status.
COOK WITH PLEASURE AND DON’T EAT ON THE GO
Cooking is not a deathly obligation, it’s an art that gives you pleasure, a way to relax and be imaginative about what you create. But for Italians, the form of serving dishes is equally important. Eating at home, standing at the stove, is wrong, as dinner is a ritual, and serving is no less important than eating itself. Huge stories and anecdotes go about Italians, stacking napkins and beautiful glasses on the table. But the process of enjoying your meal, surrounded by beautiful and gracious things are no joke!
A GLASS OF WINE IS ESSENTIAL
Or a couple glasses during dinner, but not a bottle!
DO SPORTS FOR PLEASURE
The enjoyment that sport brings is much more important than the idea of having a perfect body. It is essential that the process gives you happiness, not suffering!
DON’T STARVE YOURSELF
Italians don’t understand people who blame themselves for every piece of cake. Food is not only the source of calories; it’s a source of joy and pleasure in a pure form.
INVITE PARENTS TO RESTAURANTS
A family dinner at a restaurant every week is a great Italian tradition, which, by the way, powers up the whole generation – it brings joy to elders and help you connect better with each other.
MAKE LOVE OFTEN AND DO IT QUALITATIVELY
Commentaries are excessive.
BE FRIENDLY
Italians are incredibly friendly (especially if you speak at least a little Italian). It does not matter that they do not understand English, and you do not speak Italian, you will always talk, try to convey something, be very friendly, generous, as if you are part of their family. Home atmosphere. These are really extraordinary people.
GOING OUT, DRESS PROPERLY
Italians are very unpretentious in everyday clothes, they can wear the same jeans for several days. But, going to a party or dinner in a restaurant, they carefully select a wardrobe. The expression la bella figura (literally “beautiful figure”) is part of Italian philosophy, meaning that life gets better if you look good. When it comes to clothes – buy only quality things, take good care of them and wear them often. Shoes are also very important – they should be stylish and practical.
WINE IS NOT AN EXCUSE TO BE DRUNK
Italian wine is one of the best in the world, while it is relatively inexpensive, even in restaurants. It is often difficult to resist the temptation to “enjoy” a bottle or two at a time. However, keep in mind that this will certainly cause condemnation of local residents. Italians believe that you should get drunk with beer or strong drinks (grappa, whiskey, etc.), and wine should be enjoyed, drinking no more than one or two glasses.