Opposition or adaptation?

Anonymous Love is in the air everywhere you look around in Athens. Whether it's between children, young couples, old couples, friends or family, people in this culture are not afraid to show their affection and genuineness towards one another. I understand very little of the spoken language at this point of the trip, but I can interpret the body language displayed by many people I've seen thus far. It's clear that personal space and public displays of affection are less of a concern here than it is in many parts of the United States. As we strolled through the Plaka, signs of active listening and affection people display in their conversations is evident in their gestures. Their amount of eye contact, endearing smiles, close proximity in which they speak, and even communication through touch all show that they have sense of presence that I don't see very often in the states. In America it is common for people to maintain a certain distance when speaking to other people, maintaining the integrity of their own individual bubbles. Casual conversation appears to be a little more intimate in Athens. It can be seen in restaurants and cafes where people can be noticed talking for hours at a time without stall. Greeks aren't afraid to use touch and a sit just a little closer when they are opposite talking someone else. The sum of these gestures seem to convey a sense of genuiness in the attention they pay. They look like they're paying attention to what the other person is saying; and that's important! They show it. This kind of casual intimacy is a little harder to come by back home because people like to maintain their space and avoid refrain from using touch to help communicate.

This sense of presence is something I want to continue to adapt in my life. In the practice of Nursing, developing a rapport and relationship with patients is critical to the trust that must be built in order to provide excellent care. It starts with being present with each person. This means that to the patient you need to somehow convey that the only thing important to you is what's happening between the both of you at that moment. Most of what a person says is interpreted by what your body does rather than what you say. Greeks do a great job of actively conveying their attention in conversations.

I would however not like to incorporate the habit of smoking in doors and in public places. I understand that it's very commonplace for people to smoke and drink while talking, but having to breath second hand smoke while trying to enjoy a meal does not bode well for me. The mere waft of smoke while eating brings a sour note to the occassion. I would be fine with not having to make a habit out of smoking in crowds...especially places where food is served.