'I call her my Italian sister': The power of cross-cultural friendships

Friendships can be powerful, especially when they cross cultural and national boundaries. In this article, David Robson from London and Alessia Franco from Palermo, Italy, share their unique friendship that blossomed during a work project in Sardinia. They were both involved in creating short films about the remarkable longevity of the local residents. Initially, they thought their paths would diverge after the project, but they soon found themselves reconnecting and collaborating on various ideas. Their friendship highlights the beauty of forming bonds with people from different backgrounds and the cognitive science behind such connections. David, who has explored the psychology of social connections in his writing, often reflects on the nature of friendship. He finds it fascinating to discuss these themes with his friends. Alessia, a journalist, has met countless individuals throughout her career, but she never expected to form a lasting bond with David. Their first encounter was in a remote village in Sardinia, where they worked together. Despite their different lifestyles and cultures, they discovered a shared passion for storytelling and cultural exploration. Their friendship grew as they collaborated on projects that combined their interests in culture and science. One of the first things Alessia appreciated about David was his willingness to support her, especially when it came to social situations involving food and drink. As a teetotaler, she found it challenging to refuse the homemade wine offered by the Sardinians they met. David, always ready to help, would discreetly finish her glass, creating a sense of camaraderie that laid the foundation for their friendship. Over time, they realized how well their skills complemented each other. Alessia's background in cultural journalism and magical realism novels paired perfectly with David's expertise in science communication. They have tackled diverse subjects together, from cultural narratives to the complexities of life in Mafia families. Despite their physical distance, with only a couple of weeks spent together in person, Alessia remains a central figure in David's social circle. They may not share a mother tongue or have grown up in the same location, but they connect on many other levels. According to research by Robin Dunbar, there are several factors that shape the closeness of social bonds. While David and Alessia may not meet all the criteria, they share similar educational backgrounds, interests, worldviews, senses of humor, and musical tastes. This connection has allowed them to form a strong bond, proving that some factors may hold more weight than others in building friendships. Their experiences together have shown them that friendship can transcend language barriers. They often engage in deep conversations, and despite occasional misunderstandings, they find joy in their interactions. Alessia shares an Italian proverb that emphasizes the wisdom of the people, and she reflects on how stereotypes can misrepresent individuals from different cultures. Their friendship has shattered these stereotypes, revealing the warmth and care they both possess. They have explored each other's worlds, with Alessia introducing David to the vibrant culture of Palermo and David sharing the sights of London with Alessia. Their communication through social media and messaging apps has kept their friendship alive, allowing them to share experiences and support each other despite the distance. David believes that cross-cultural friendships can lead to personal growth and self-expansion. Research shows that these connections can enhance creativity and innovation. By exposing each other to new perspectives and experiences, they have enriched their lives and broadened their horizons. They emphasize the importance of maintaining friendships, especially in today's digital age, where technology allows for instant communication. David and Alessia encourage others to embrace friendships that cross borders, as these relationships can provide unique insights and experiences that contribute to a more fulfilling life.