If You Belong To One Of Those 7 Categories Then Spain Isn’t for You

Karen’s type of personality won’t fly in Spain

Many Americans and Canadians are considering making a move to Spain but before you make such a big decision, let me give you some feedback on things you love to do but won’t be accepted or they simply don’t exist.

If any of the following five points apply to you, it might be better for you to choose a different country instead.

The thing is that North American culture is very different than Spanish one. When I moved here from the States, I thought, I landed on a different planet, so different it is.

But it really comes down to simply what kind of person are you, your personality, and your values.

TYPE A Personality

If you want something done right, and fast, do not come to Spain. I have lived here for five years now and I have never seen anyone raising their voice at a restaurant manager because they were unhappy with their order.

If you go to customer service to return something, don’t expect kind words or swift action.

In Spain, this way of productivity is simply not the practice.

The key to getting anything done on time in this culture is to remember that “manana” means tomorrow.

You won’t find anyone who will encourage you to take action ahead of time or tell you something’s already been completed.

The same goes for being a perfectionist.

Spaniards are far from perfect, and this is evident in the construction of their homes. The walls may be crooked and the floors misaligned; you may notice such details, but nobody else will.

Perfectionism is not the strong forte of Spaniards.

Karen or Ken type Personality

Spain is not the Karens’ homeland. I lived here for five years and never once encountered one. Expecting special treatment or demanding to speak with a manager will get you nowhere in this country.

As I mentioned earlier, people don’t bicker at restaurants about their orders; they accept what they are given.

If a teacher calls your child “mierda,” or something demeaning, you can’t complain or sue the school district.

Hustling type

It’s not to say that Spain has a perfect life; it doesn’t. Bureaucracy, corruption, and other social issues are rampant throughout the country.

However, on an individual level, there is one thing Spain seems to have right: it values family relationships over money and importance. Spaniards could care less about hustling.

Truth be told, they hate it.

David, my neighbor in Granada, once remarked to me when he was on a business trip to Dallas, TX that instead of chilling with his colleagues after work, they were pressuring him to engage in their pitches and hustling ideas.

So, if you are a hustler, people will not love you, here, let's say softly or suave as Spaniards will say.

My favorite saying about Spain is that “nothing works, but everything works out” — whereas in the US, “everything works, but nothing works out”.

You love comfort and big houses

If you’re someone who loves comfort and big houses, you might find it difficult to adjust to life in Spain. The houses in Spain are typically smaller in size compared to those in North America.

Additionally, air conditioning and heating systems are not very common in Spanish homes. You’ll have to get used to the idea of living in a cozy and intimate space.

Spaniards also don’t put much emphasis on material possessions. They value experiences and relationships more than anything else. They would rather spend their money on a nice meal with friends or a weekend getaway than on a big house or fancy car.

So, if you’re someone who values material possessions and the status they bring, Spain might not be the best fit for you.

That being said, Spaniards do value comfort and quality. They take pride in their homes and often decorate them with beautiful and unique pieces. So, while you might not have a big house, you can still have a comfortable and stylish little home in Spain.

Driving

If you’re accustomed to just hopping from one big shop to the next, then following it up with a drive-thru meal, you’ll likely be let down in Spain.

Indeed, doing so is possible in this country as well, but you’d be missing out on leisurely strolling around gorgeous historic centers, squares, and open-air markets, and kicking back at bars or restaurant tables.

Spain is all about engaging with your surroundings by walking, admiring the architecture, and the people watching.

If you are introvert

Spaniards are known for their outgoing personalities and vocal tendencies. To get what you need at the market, you must call out your name to declare that you’re next in line; or, while dining out, it’s necessary to yell at the waiter in order to place an order.

My daughter is more of an introvert and doesn’t have much of a social circle. Her teachers, however, are concerned and always trying to help her be more socially inclusive.

If you’re an introvert, that’s perfectly fine, but in a nation of people who are extroverted and loud, it can be easy to go unnoticed..

Modern architecture

If you’re expecting to find modern skyscrapers constructed of glass and concrete, you’ll be searching for a long time. It’s possible to find them, but they will cost you dearly.

The real beauty of Spain lies in its history and the traditional architecture that has been around for centuries.

If you fall into one of these 7 categories, Spain will be an unpleasant experience for you and you won’t enjoy living here.

I don’t mean to crush your spirits, but I’ve heard horror stories from fellow Americans and Canadians about their experiences in Spain.