How are you today?

[princealbertofb]

Sure. A little backstory. We like to talk about the differences between American and Spanish cultures. For example, I have always pointed out how brutally honest Spaniards can be. The other day we were talking about a friend of mine, and his comment was something like "Yea, he's very handsome in the face, but his body is terrible." Or something. I really don't like comments like that, I think they're rude and reflect poorly on whoever's saying them.

His response is that at least Spaniards are honest, and say what they feel instead of the American way of lying to someone's face and talking badly about them later. I think both scenarios are huge generalizations, even mine. But it is one thing I've noticed after living here for a while. People have seen Sex in the City or have been to Manhattan once, and they think they know Americans.

...
I said "thank you for the apology, that sounds much better." and we left it like that. This morning I got another "i'm sorry" from him.

I'm afraid we are dealing with a man who is strongly catholic at heart, has the guilt complex strongly ingrained, but also knows how to get someone to ride on the guilt trip.

It is a cultural difference, probably. He may be honest but in the end, he is not really, because he says one thing but means another... a bit like women sometimes.
I really don't know how you can keep this relationship going, Chulo, but maybe it's a good thing that you are going back to the States to finish your studies? A break will be good for you both to reassess what you mean to each other. I keep thinking, after your stories, that he is trying to manipulate you, but it's working less and less, isn't it?
Here, have a
PA