One of the most beautiful things about life in Spain is the way friendships and social interactions are woven into everyday life. Spaniards are masters of community, of gathering, of truly being present with one another. Here, friendships don’t feel like an obligation or something to pencil into a busy schedule—they’re simply a part of life, as natural as breathing.
One of the biggest cultural shifts I had to adjust to (and quickly fell in love with) is how public socializing is in Spain. In the U.S., meeting up with a friend often meant going to their house to catch up privately. Here, the idea of social life is completely different—you go out. You meet at a café, a tapas bar, or a lively plaza. You’re surrounded by other people doing the same thing, and there’s an unspoken understanding that socializing is meant to be shared with the world, not hidden behind closed doors.
Here, friendships are fluid and welcoming. If you make plans with a friend, don’t be surprised when they invite their cousin, their neighbor, or even a friend they just ran into on the way. The more, the merrier. Community isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. It’s about sharing, about togetherness. And you feel it everywhere, from long, laughter-filled dinners that stretch past midnight to casual mid-day coffees that turn into impromptu gatherings.
And then there’s the warmth. The affectionate, arms-wide-open approach to friendships in Spain makes everything feel more connected. Greetings come with hugs and cheek kisses, conversations are animated and full of passion, and even casual acquaintances can feel like close friends. It’s refreshing, especially coming from a culture where personal space is more guarded and physical affection isn’t as freely given.
Back in the U.S., social life always felt a bit more fast-paced, sometimes even transactional. You’d text a friend, plan a time to meet up (often weeks in advance), and the catch-up session would usually be one-on-one. If you had a friend group, it wasn’t always guaranteed that everyone would be included at once—social circles could be tight-knit or even a little cliquey. A typical hangout might be at someone’s home, watching TV, having a drink, or just catching up on life.
Don’t get me wrong, I love and miss my friends back home dearly. They’ve grown up with me, seen me through every phase of my life, and still love me just the same. There’s something really special about that kind of bond. But I think we’ve just grown so comfortable with each other that our reunions have become almost second nature. A simple “hey” is enough because we already know where we stand.
But in Spain, greetings feel different. Warmer. More intentional. There’s always a hug, a kiss on the cheek, or some kind of physical acknowledgment that says, “I see you, I’m happy you’re here.” It’s a small gesture, but it makes interactions feel more connected, like people genuinely take a moment to acknowledge one another. It’s something I’ve come to appreciate so much, and honestly, it makes me rethink the way I want to greet the people I love from now on.
Another thing I love? The sheer variety of social opportunities. Spain is full of exchange groups, diverse events, and endless ways to meet people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a language exchange, a festival, or just a regular night out, there’s always something happening, always an opportunity to connect. It’s not just about having a core group of friends, it’s about being part of something bigger, a living, breathing community where you are always welcome.
When I compare the two social experiences, there’s no doubt in my mind which one I prefer. Spain’s approach to friendship feels richer and more fulfilling. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about how you share life with them. There’s an effortless togetherness that I didn’t even realize I was missing until I experienced it. Here, loneliness doesn’t creep in as easily because community is always within reach.
Living in Spain has reshaped the way I see friendship. It’s taught me that social life isn’t meant to be squeezed into a schedule or limited to a small, tight-knit circle. It’s meant to be open, spontaneous, and full of warmth. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
