Folks from the States have recently looked to Costa Rica as an affordable place to relocate, for retirement and for other reasons. Often they come here thinking that they have found paradise, only to return to the States after a short time frustrated with the culture. Therefore, the question often arises, what does it take to make the cultural transition from the U.S. to Costa Rica? Well there are many things I could talk about in that regard. Things like patience, maintaining a sense of humor, openess, willingness to adapt, especially in terms of the language. However, maybe the most important thing is humility. In the recent election we heard talk about this notion of American exceptionalism. That Americans (or better said, North Americans from the U.S., since everyone living in this hemisphere is “American” now aren’t they?) are for some reason exceptional as compared with the rest of the planet. Well folks from other parts of the globe may not see it quite that way. This mindset can easily be seen from the tourists that visit here from the States, including those that try to relocate here. There is that swagger, that impatience, that intolerence to put up with a culture different from what they are accumstomed to. Costa Ricans, by and large (there are always exceptions), are a humble people and the trait of humilty is celebrated here. If someone is liked, you often hear it said that he or she is “muy humilde” (very humble in Spanish). Humble here means quiet, reserved, gentle, kind and patient. Traits that often are absent in the folks from the States that visit, or at least they don’t act that way while they are here. It is almost as if they are out to prove that they are better, that they are “exceptional.” I am not going to be the pot calling the kettle black. Frequently I slip into that same mindset. It never makes life better for me, only more frustrating. However, I will honestly say that I admire the culture of humility that exists in Costa Rica. There is a hightened sense of tolerance and a live and let live mentality that is refreshing and stands in stark contrast to the often highly judgmental nature of U.S. culture. I believe that the best way to “make it” in Costa Rica, culturally, is to learn to appreciate humility and to exercise it. Try it and I will guarantee your experience of Costa Rica, and of life, will be enhanced.
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV)
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