Greek family versus Latino family

What do you get when you combine a Yuppie Chicana with a Cypriot Greek?  Whatever it is, it's always late and very hairy.  

As I sit here in the Mediterranean with a chain smoker on my right and a guy ordering his twentieth frappe´on my left, I know it comes as no surprise to my readers that I wish to uncover the nuances of being in a Greek family versus a Latino family. 

My experience with Greek family is limited to Cypriot Greeks, the craziest kind.  And my experience with Latin family is primarily based upon Mexican Americans.  There is never a dull moment in our household.

If you are a male born into a Greek family, you can take a deep breath.  You've hit the jackpot.  Males are the dominant gender to the point that if you are not careful, you may never learn how to do anything for yourself.  

If you are a female born into a Mexican American family, the good news is you are the smartest person on earth, you can do everything on your own and you are always right.  You are just a joy to be around. 

If your mom is Greek, she probably asks you what you want for dinner.  If she's Mexican American, you eat what is on the table.  You want to place an order?  Go to Filibertos!

If you're Greek, your giagia lives with you and seems to have more in common with the lady that cleans your house then with your mom.  

If your grandmother is Mexican American she has a hundred things she'd rather be doing than take care of you.  Her parents didn't immigrate to the United States so she could change diapers for the rest of her life.  

If your grandfather is Greek he might as well be Latino. He's probably a W.C.B.C., (womanizing, cigarette smoking, booze loving comedian).  Gotta love them! 

If you're Greek, the sound of someone spitting on you means they wish you the best.  If you're Mexican American and someone spits on you, it's on like donkey kong!

If you have both Greeks and Latinos in your family, you are probably taking a high blood pressure medication, have a left leg that twitches and you can successfully listen to five conversations while updating your Facebook status.  

Family is sacred.  But if you are Greek or Latino, it's just plain scary!!!!!

With love from Cyprus!