Vuoi fare Americano?

From the moment I moved to Italy, I have been intrigued by the stereotypes that Italians have put on Americans. The most apparent one is how they love using the phrase, "Vuoi fare Americano?" ("You want to do as the Americans do?"), when someone spends a lot of money on something. At first it threw me off guard that they have that stereotype and used it quite often and loosely. But, I quickly realized there is truth in it and couldn't deny that we spend our money much more freely. I never decided whether it was a good thing or bad thing and if I fell into that stereotype. Part of me fought to not be a part of it for its negative connotations, but other parts of me realized it was inevitable for me to fall into the group and that there were certain luxuries I did enjoy.

Which brings me to the current decision I need to make. The private clinic that I will be giving birth in, as well as most of the normal hospitals here, have four beds to a room. This, I am not use to. I didn't even enjoy having ONE other person in the room when I was in the hospital back in the States.

This brings me to the dilemma of how I will be portrayed if I ask for a private room. The conclusions that can be drawn of me are: (1) Voglio fare Americano ( I am doing as the Americans do and want to spend more money on a private room); (2) I am being anti-social (My husband's sisters looooved having other patients and families around because everyone would converse with each other and it made it more fun and like a party); or (3) I am a more private person and believe that this is a very intimate and personal experience and would like to be only around those who are dear to me and have some peace and quiet if I am in agonizing pain or just need to get some rest.

Of course, the latter is my reason. Unfortunately, I am the type of person that cares about what others think and don't want anyone thinking the first or second. I've realized that I don't want them to think I am the type of person that spends money frivolously because they are extremely down to earth and aren't those types. I think they know that I am not that type as well and definitely spend my money responsibly. But, at the same time, they may not understand why I would want to spend more money to be alone.

This brings me to the second stereotype placed on Americans... or more so... the stereotype put on Italians. There is no doubt, Italians are much more talkative and friendly, especially in the small towns. They are hospitable and can carry on a conversation with you even if they don't know you. It's endearing and I have always admired that quality about them. However, as an American who lives in a big city, I have grown accustomed to being a more private person when it comes to neighbors. I never talked to my neighbor unless I got their mail by accident or they needed to move their car. We are so occupied in our own personal lives and work that we hardly take the time to care to work up a conversation.

I think I have gotten better with being more social and learning the Italian way since I have moved here, but there are definitely a lot of times where I just want to be in my own world and do my thing. Does this make me anti-social? Yeh, I am pretty sure it does. But, I just think that we deserve to enjoy private moments as well as a form of relaxation. Again, two different cultures and definitely one of the struggles I have had. I see the good and bad in both and think it is possible to find a happy medium.

Nonetheless, the decision still has to be made... In actuality, I think all three conclusions will be drawn about me. I am a more private person who doesn't want to be around strangers and would prefer paying more money for a private room to avoid the chaos of other patients and their guests whom I don't know. Doesn't sound too bad right? After all, I will be there to give birth to our little miracle and can ultimately decide what is best.

What do you think? Am I over-analyzing the situation? Do you agree with the stereotypes?

*Below is the private clinic I will be giving birth at... Thank goodness for new, clean hospitals. =)