Question of culture and how we interpret loud yelling and sound.

[mcar]

20. My SO's father was from Italy Italian

My family is third generation Irish American. We'd argue all the time about politics and current events but we never yelled. And my parents really encouraged us to be thoughtful in our responses. It was more like debate club.

The first time I met SO's extended family of Italian aunts and uncles, I almost had a breakdown. They shouted at each other, and argued about everything. But then when the evening ended they were all hugging and crying about how they didn't get together often enough. They were so loving to each other it blew my mind.

I never quite got used to it but I did learn to appreciate the cultural difference. They've all passed on now and I miss the get togethers.

BTW, my SO never quite got used to my family's style either, until our oldest reached adulthood. He argues just like my family did and they have a blast debating topics. Not much disagreement since we're all liberal, but it's still fun.