Cultural Differences are Fun

One of my favorite moments in the Netflix Love is Blind series is the moment the freshly minted fiancés meet each other for the first time. All dolled up and putting their best feet forward. But it's always a crapshoot with regard to their reactions. The levels of mutual attraction or lack thereof are complete unknowns and vary greatly. You see a lot being conveyed through eyes and body language, and you start to hedge your bets a little on whether you think they have a chance of making it or not.

Also, yes, I watch Love is Blind, and that’s hardly the worst of the brain candy I consume.

Anyway, do you ever watch the Love is Blind seasons from overseas? The overdubbed ones from Germany, Japan, etc.? You'll see those same moments, and it's always an unknown. But some cultural differences come screaming through the TV.

It’s probably because it’s what I’m most familiar with, but the American reactions always seem somewhat balanced and middle-of-the-road to me. My internal dialogue assesses accordingly.

"That’s a genuine embrace. They are INTO each other!"

"Oh boy, I think she is fighting back the disappointment.”

“Those are love eyes. Love eyes!”

“Oh dang - she totally turned away from that kiss!"

If things go well, there is typically some embracing, maybe a kiss or two, and optimism, relief, or undeniable joy relayed across the couple's faces as they bid each other adieu. Germany and the UK are more or less the same as the US.

In the Japanese version, there was a lot of respect, cordiality, and some bowing. But also a whole lot of hard-to-read, and not much in the way of physical affection displayed besides stilted hugs and awkward back pats. But then there are the Brazilians.

The doors open, and these kids launch at each other like bulls out of a gate. They kiss immediately and passionately. Tongues are in mouths, hands are on parts, breasts heave, and packages bulge. It's everything they can do to keep from copulating across the on-set Ottoman.

Cultural differences are fun. And I’m moving to Brazil.