Speaking of friends...

[jrf]

I have made a number of friends in the RD and email, messenger, and phone them regularly.

Now, when I mention that they give me a call here in Canada even just for a quick hello they don't seem to call.

Trying to see if that is something of their 'culture' of if they just don't want to take the time to call. I know it is not that expensive for a three minute call to Canada-it's cheaper there than from here to there.

Any thoughts?

[KateP]

Originally Posted by jrf

I have made a number of friends in the RD and email, messenger, and phone them regularly.

Now, when I mention that they give me a call here in Canada even just for a quick hello they don't seem to call.

Trying to see if that is something of their 'culture' of if they just don't want to take the time to call. I know it is not that expensive for a three minute call to Canada-it's cheaper there than from here to there.

Any thoughts?

It's true it's cheaper to call from the DR to Canada but compared to salaries, it ends up more expensive... Then you have the people who use calling cards who might either not have access or not have enough $ left to make a long distance call. Also, depending on their economic class, making a long distance call is sometimes an event.

[AnnaC]

It's not just the per min cost but to use a cell cost money but incoming call don't add up there as I understand it.

[miguel]

Originally Posted by jrf

I have made a number of friends in the RD and email, messenger, and phone them regularly.

Now, when I mention that they give me a call here in Canada even just for a quick hello they don't seem to call.

Trying to see if that is something of their 'culture' of if they just don't want to take the time to call. I know it is not that expensive for a three minute call to Canada-it's cheaper there than from here to there.

Any thoughts?

With all honesty, maybe they don't care about you as much as you think, or as much as you for them.

I used to have a few friends that I "tested" many moons ago. I said to myself: "since I am the one calling all the time, let me stop calling and let's wait and see if they call at all, let see if they care as much".

Well, a few called and those that did not, stopped being my friends. As easy as that!.

Btw, there should NO EXCUSES. If they truly care, even if they have to borrow 20 pesos and make a 2 minutes call, they would.

[mountainfrog]

Originally Posted by jrf

....Trying to see if that is something of their 'culture' of if they just don't want to take the time to call....

The truth is, that in their view, you are not worth a call.
Sorry about being frank.

Simple test:
Tell them to call you in ten minutes to copy a Western Union remittance number.

They'll call you this time.

m'frog

[AZB]

I agree with miguel. Either they are too poor to call or just don't care to call. You see, yoiu are not the only friend they have in north america. Every week different tourists come to hotels and become friends with them. They have so many friends that they don't know who lives where. They can't possible call all of them. Maybe they are only friendly towards you but not really your friends. This is common in the resort culture.
AZB

[Audra]

Its always about $$$$ they don't have any!

[chuckuindy]

Originally Posted by miguel

With all honesty, maybe they don't care about you as much as you think, or as much as you for them.

I used to have a few friends that I "tested" many moons ago. I said to myself: "since I am the one calling all the time, let me stop calling and let's wait and see if they call at all, let see if they care as much".

Well, a few called and those that did not, stopped being my friends. As easy as that!.

Btw, there should NO EXCUSES. If they truly care, even if they have to borrow 20 pesos and make a 2 minutes call, they would.

Hey, PM me you most recent number in Alaska and I will call you every day. BTW, can I barrow 20 bucks.

Chuckuindy

[miguel]

Originally Posted by chuckuindy

Hey, PM me you most recent number in Alaska and I will call you every day. BTW, can I barrow 20 bucks.

Chuckuindy

Heyy, we DID used to call each other every now and then, right Grandpa?.

No, no 20 bucks for you.

I can give you an Ipod Voice Recorder, though!. Hahahahahaha.

[M.A.R.]

Originally Posted by jrf

I have made a number of friends in the RD and email, messenger, and phone them regularly.

Now, when I mention that they give me a call here in Canada even just for a quick hello they don't seem to call.

Trying to see if that is something of their 'culture' of if they just don't want to take the time to call. I know it is not that expensive for a three minute call to Canada-it's cheaper there than from here to there.

Any thoughts?

Don't be discouraged. But is a male thing, dominican men don't go around calling each other on the phone and having conversations. Its easier for them to have a conversation over a few "grandes bien frias" than to get on the phone and call u. Its all in good fun.

I see it allthe time in my family we have many friends and relatives that we "hang out with, drink and be merry" when we go there, we leave and don't talk for a while then we get together again and its like we never left. We don't reproach(sp.?) each other when we meet again, or anything, we just pick up where we left it, and everyone is happy.