Participants frequently described Brazilians as warm and expressive people. Many described their social contexts as centered on warmth, collectivity, and joy. Physical affection-greeting kisses and embraces-serves as social currency. Gathering around food, music, and dance isn't just leisure; participants described these as essential to connection itself. But when sociability is culturally prized, admitting loneliness feels like personal failure. One participant explained: "Loneliness is more camouflaged...it's wrong to talk about being alone, being unwell, being sad, it's disturbing."
As I stood staring at the screen, the tip buttons-20%, 25%, even 50%-blinked back at me like a test I hadn't studied for. Not knowing the answer, I felt a jolt of panic. A line had formed behind me, and I could practically feel the eyes on my back. In my mind, they were all silently judging, waiting to see which button I'd hit. I quickly looked for the button for "no tip," but, under pressure, guilt made the decision for me. I tapped 20%.
Sometimes, there are foods we're a little afraid to admit we don't like because they seem as if they're so universally loved. Cue the hateful eyes from my friends any time I pick the hellish nightmare that is cilantro off my food.