¡Saluda!

Socializing Is Hard For Introverts

The thought of having to talk to someone and give eye contact terrifies me, probably because I’m paranoid that they can read my mind. The word saluda is Spanish for greeting. Being somewhat of an introvert in a large Mexican family is tough.

Mexican Roots

My parents were born in Mexico but I was born in the United States. We only had one uncle who lived nearby and family gatherings were small. Once my parents got their citizenship we began to make trips to Mexico and that’s where I learned I had a town full of family. My Spanish was terrible even though for years I thought I knew how to speak it. Everyone in the family participates in the daily chores and goes to church. The daily meals usually consisted of nopalitos con frijoles but man was it good! The tortillas were made by hand and cooked on a comal over open fire. It was mesmerizing to watch my grandma place the tortilla down, flip it then watch it slowly puff up.

My mom would constantly tell me my manners were terrible compared to my cousins from Mexico. When called they would answer “mande” politely which would be the equivalent to yes how may I assist you and me well…

I yell QUE!!! from across the room. If we had visitors and I tried to greet them with a simple nod or a smile that wasn’t enough. Naturally my parents would call me out and ask me “ya saludaste” while gesturing towards the visitors and of course I’d get red, embarrassed and frustrated.