Privado, well done and very true. I am French Canadian and we have the exact, same attitude as the Mexicans, in my family anyway (our Latin blood, I guess). Families are large usually five or six cousins on each side, aunts and uncles still very much young at heart and important in the circle. They meet often in weekends and every holiday. When we have friends, they are few and special and we see them on our own; they are not invited in our circle. Why would they? They don’t know anyone else but me, and they are outsiders to the family.

I am from a bilingual community but we rarely associate. I did because I am different from my relatives; having traveled a lot and moved away (met different people and kept contact). I am the black sheep of the family and have hardly any ties left with them. It’s understandable, I have changed. We have not much in common any more. Like you said, and it is the same at home, they have their own circle and they do not need me. I have become an outsider. Sad but true. I still go to some parties when I am there, but I feel as an observer.

May be because of my background, I do not understand foreigners here who feel as if they belong and you hear them say that they want to mix and be part of the Mexican culture—it will rarely happen unless the Mexican person has a more open view and is well traveled and out of his/her circle otherwise, why would they care? It does not mean that both sides cannot be civilized. Of course we enjoy saying hello and exchange a few words, but he contact will be at arm's length.