This is a theory I’ve developed over my travels - While it applies to Latin America as a whole, its much more pronounced in mexico.
Why
Culture of living with families and having lots of kids
Catholic culture
Extremely high cost of date logistics
Living with Familia
The core of the issue lies at a cultural dynamic deeply ingrained in Mexican society – the prevalent practice of living with extended family. Balancing familial bonds and romantic pursuits becomes a delicate dance, especially in a place like Mexico City where over 9 million people damn near live on top of each other. The cost of having your own apartment is often zero. Sure you can rely on hourly hotels, but they tend to be more of a planned situation and break the spontaneity of things.
The Catholic Influence
Embedded within Mexican culture is a strong Catholic influence, shaping attitudes towards relationships and intimacy. Most Latin American countries have this also, but lets take Brazil and Colombia for example. People are much less likely to adhere to those traditions. Hell in many Mexican cities, its still uncommon for women to wear shorts. The stigma of being perceived as "easy" is slightly more pronounced, particularly for women who face judgment from their peers and an increased risk of assault. The cultural landscape, influenced by traditional values, adds another layer of complexity to the dating scene.
Economic Hurdles
In Latin America where nearly everyone lives at home, privacy becomes a precious commodity. Couples seeking moments of intimacy are often forced to resort to public spaces like parks, a testament to the scarcity of personal space. The economic reality further compounds the challenge, as love hotels become a necessary escape with room rates ranging from $5 to $25.
If you walk around any major Latin American city park, you'll see how vibrant they are. People are always out and about. However, if you also look at any park bench, you'll likely find a couple snuggled up. It's not just young people. You'll often see individuals well into their late 20s and early 30s doing this.
Budgets and Romance
For many, a night out in trendy neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, or Polanco can quickly become a hurdle. Even with a monthly income of $1,000, considered a top 10% earner in Mexico, the costs of dates can add up. Factor in taxis, Ubers, and the occasional splurge on a fancy date, and the economic strain gets harsh.
At the end of the day, it makes sense. A foreigner with a little bit of money shows up in Latin America and starts attracting a lot of attention from women. Why? Half of the success is because you have privacy that many people don't have. Simply having an apartment of your own makes it much easier for someone to be interested in coming back to your place.
Tell me what your thoughts are?
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