advice on Italian men?
 

Will be travelling to Italy and want any advice, stories, etc on the Italian culture and people, especially their gorgeous men. is it true that they are mama's boys?

Alan Epstien has some really interesting theories about this in his book "As the Romans Do". He contends that because Italian men are so doted on by their mothers they are more equipped to dote on women in return, noticing the tiniest nuance and focusing full attention on a woman. He says that in heaven the French will cook, German men will direct traffic, English men will grow gardens and Italian men will make love. I'd be willing to test his theory. :-)

My Italian friend has a totally different take on it. She feels that Italian men are spoiled, demanding, selfish, and immature. Most of the married ones seek extra marital affairs and have little regard for their wives.<BR>My friend grew up in Rome, is quite attractive, and single by choice.<BR>

Watch your pocketbook

Be careful if you take a taxi. Last year we took a taxi, and when I went to get out, the driver opened my door, and gently patted my butt when I got out!!!!!!!!!! I was shocked. It was very obvious that he did it intentionally.<BR>

When you get there observe the Italian women and how they deal with them. You will learn a lot. <BR><BR>One becomes righteously indignant about the lascivious looks and being followed, the flirtations that begin so early in the morning, etc. They seem to live for looking and drooling over women. I think it has something to do with worshipping the Madonna. Ignoring them or being cold doesn't seem to shake them off either. Then I saw how the Italian women handled them. They would kind of patronize them, always smiling, a little flirtatous. It seems to stop them. They are like children in that they just want a little attention and they (not all) then go away. Metaphorically, patting them on the head. <BR><BR>An old friend who loves Italy and hated being hasseled by the men admitted to me recently that now that she is 60, they leave her alone. She says that she has never enjoyed Italy more-- in peace. It's the one thing that can be a bummer especially if you are there in the summer and it is hot as hades and you can't really cover up. Frankly, I don't think that they are any more gorgeous then gorgeous men anywhere! But some women just find them irresistable. I have a feeling that Italian men are all talk and not a whole lot of good action, if you know what I mean. <BR><BR>When I was 20 I lived in a small Italian town for 6 months. It was a problem walking alone sometimes. Once I was pinned against a wall by a car full of men. It was broad day light and not in an isolated location either. I managed to physically squeeze out of it. They found it historically funny. That was 30 years ago, so maybe things have changed a little. Some are easily led on, so be careful, if you don't mean to. Good luck!!!<BR><BR>

Well, if 35 year old men still live at home in their little boys rooms, what do you think? Or if a young married couple lives next door to husband´s family because the husband wants to be near mamma, what do think? Both examples are everyday. After all, nothing beats mamma´s pasta.

My trip to Italy in October was my first time travelling alone and I was bracing myself for the worst, given the stories that I've heard about Italian men. I had very few negative experiences and even those were mild. I was approached by a lot of men, but for the most part, they were very polite and I appreciated the opportunity to practice my Italian.

EXCUSE ME!! Tired! I have a poodle and he in no way resembles an Italian.

My italian teacher, Francesca from Sicily, swears it. men never really leave their mothers - and expect their wives to fill in when mom's not around. It's family all the time, except when he slips off to preen in the public square. For you women who love to slave and dote, the it. guys are just made for you. By the way, it's their brains which are like poodles'.

Thank you, "Observer" for clarifying that-my sweet poodle would be mortified if he thought he was similar to an Italian in that way...not that they are bad or anything,just that poodles have so much pride in themselves, you know.He especially likes it when people notice how smart he is,aside from his good looks.I guess you could say that Italian men are similar to poodles then,couldn't you? good looks anyway.

Mama, it. guys are periodically hauled over to the groomer, and when they are in the way at home, are sent to sitters for the day. The need for their care is never ending, so I have heard. One time in Florence, this it. guy was in his red Ferrari, parked in a sqaure, delighting in all the attention he garnered. When he finally roared off, he stripped the gears all the way down the street - every single one - I was on the pavement, and in my best italian yelled "clutch, clutch, clutch" ... we'd had wine at lunch is the only explanation I can offer.

Man, I can't wait to read the comments that will be posted here later today!! Just get ready!

Ah Observer, thank you, you do realize that Poodles are not just dogs.<BR>Why- just yesterday, we were breezing along, it was a little chilly,but he does love having his head out that window! and bless his heart, every person he saw would smile at him and he would look back..such a charmer, then again,Italian men must resemble him,I have heard they can be quite charming.I ,on the other hand, have a fondness for the French.Someday I imagine my poodle and myself strolling along the rue St Louis en Ille, window shopping.He would love it!<BR>Perhaps in answer to this question I should say that my poodle is indeed his mamas boy.

Italian men are pretty much like men everywhere. Lots of them are momma's boys, and lots of them aren't. They seem somewhat more likely to approach women they've not been introduced to, but I've never had a problem with unwanted attention, even when travelling alone as a teenager. No pats on the bottom, and the occasional knowing leer occurs about as frequently there as it does in U.S. cities.<BR><BR>They do pay a lot more attention to their appearance than American men, and it pays off. The resemblance to poodles stops there (at least in my experience).

Mais non! Poodles are not anything like Italian men!<BR>They resemble French men the most...always thinking of you, available for a kiss at all times,they always look good,behave themselves in public..and are flirts!<BR>Just my opinion *

Well, mama, a good mom is a key to a good life, whether dog or italian. A poodle is a person, or so I've heard, a devoted companion, ready to see and experience the world, but unlike Rick Steeves, smart enough not to stick their heads out windows when approaching train tunnels.

In heaven, what did Alan Epstien say the American men will do? Run the government? Make money? Or watch sports all day?

Well, we know they're not with mom, or continuously available for whatever. If this thread will now bash the US guys, seems like a good time for a sportsbreak and suds.

I was engaged to one once -- no thanks! Aside from the mama's boy thing, there are other issues that reflect immaturity in general (that great lover stereotype is not true). I don't agree at all with above comment that they are just like men everywhere, no more aggressive, etc. The majority are more aggressive in a sleazy way, and don't respect women very much. Alan Epstein is full of it.