053: 21 Things Italians Do Better

What do we think Italians do better than anyone? Find out in our list below. But first, a couple of notes.

While some of you finding this post will read through this as a blog post, please note these are podcast show notes where Paul and Steven discuss their thoughts on the 21 Things Italians Do Better. So hopefully you’ll listen to the podcast as well, so any nuances come through.

Also note, when we say Italians, we mean Italians living in Italy. Not Italian-Americans. While a lot of these apply to both, this is meant to be our observations of Italians living in Italy.

So without further ado, here are 21Things Italians Do Better.

1. Food and Cooking

Food is so personal and subjective, steeped in tradition. So while I’m sure many might argue that there are other amazing national cuisines out there, many would agree Italian food is amazing.

The secret could be a couple of things. Most notably, the fact that they eat very seasonally. Thus the flavors are all very fresh and delicious, at the height of their flavor if you will.

So with Italian cooking, dishes can actually be very simple. It’s about highlighting the fresh ingredients, not covering up something with a heavy sauce to hide a flavor.

[Note: In the interest of getting these show notes up, I will follow up on the Caterina d’ Medici information we talked about in the podcast.]

2. Fashion

This can be divided into two parts, one part being the actual designers and one being the fashion of Italians every day.

So the designer part is easy, as there are lots of big names in the fashion industry, including Versace, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana.

However, the populous as a whole always ascribes to La Bella Figura, or “The Beautiful Figure.” Meaning that one is always looks and composes oneself to make the best possible impression.

In our experience, this is very much ingrained in a lot of the Italian people, especially older generations, who will not leave the house without dressing up.

It’s nice to see so many people with such a sense of style.

Paul’s mother is a prime example of this. While most of the time she’s sitting around in old clothes in her room watching TV, if company is coming over or we are going out, she definitely gets her bling on.

3. They make family a top priority

There are many examples of this.

They will dote over any kid in the room.

They will never leave a kid with a babysitter, like a neighbor or family friend. They feel that’s just not right to leave them like that.

Every day (at least in the south), they go home at noon to have lunch with the family.

And every Sunday, you must eat with all your family.

They have multigenerational families living together, where the grandparents take care of the kids.

These are just a few examples, but anyone who’s ever been to any Italians home for Sunday lunch or any special event, sees right away how important family is to every Italian.

4. Italians are great at showing affection

Some cultures, well a lot of cultures, have a hard time showing any kind of affection, to family, much less to friends or acquaintances.

Italians are much more, shall we say, “touchy-feely.”

While they won’t run up and give you a kiss or bear hug on a first greeting, after one or two meetings they will expect the kiss-on-the-cheek greeting.

NOTE: If you’re coming to Italy always remember, go to the right first! You will touch your left cheek to their left cheek, then reverse and touch your right to cheek to their right cheek. Actual kissing or kissing sounds are optional, depending on personal preference.

Another interesting note for us is how men here have no problem showing affection. Male fFriends will easily walk arm in arm or put their arm around their male friend at the table. They have no problem showing affection and don’t think of it as “gay” as say someone might in the states.

5. Italian really know how to “take it easy”

Different but similar to La Dolce Vita, Dolce Far Niente is the “sweet do-nothing” or the art of doing nothing.

La Dolce Vita is enjoying the life around you — the food, the sunsets, riding on the back of the Vespa with your loved one, etc.

Dolce Far Niente is defined by Merriam-Webster as “pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness.” Really, it’s just enjoying doing nothing. Indulging in relaxation and blissful laziness.

The fact that Italians even have a phrase for this concept shows you just how good they are at doing it.

Eat Pray Love explains it a bit more:

6. No one speaks with passion like Italians

Maybe it’s because they are so passionate about life, but Italians are very passionate when they are communicating.

Doesn’t matter if it’s about politics or the correct driving directions, Italians are very animated...