Is Mexico a happy country? Safety and smiles are how I view my life here after seven years. You may find that strange, so let me share this little story that sums up perfectly why this is my view and how it relates to the common misconception that Mexico is unsafe.
My friend is a wellness coach up in Vermont, who specializes in helping women with autoimmune issues. Interested in all things that can help her clients she asked me to do a little experiment with her by smiling after reading a study on how smiling is a mood enhancer. It not only lifts your mood but elevates a positive mindset and helps deal with anxiety and depression. Something a lot of her clientele deal with after being diagnosed with autoimmune issues.
The task was simple. Go to the supermarket to pick up a couple of things and smile at every person you pass. She was in Vermont and I was in Cozumel, so we decided to see how smiling would affect our mood — but also to see how many people smiled back, something which also greatly improves happiness. After all, if you smile and no one smiles back that’s a bit of a bummer, right?
The result? The warmth of the Mexican people won. I received 24 smiles, 2 hand holds, a couple of hugs and a kiss. The kiss was from a sweet abuela (grandmother) who also gave me a blessing. You’ve got to love abuelas, they’re the best.
The results from Vermont were very different. After smiling at every person, she passed the grand total of smiles returned was three. Most people wouldn’t even meet her gaze and afterwards while discussing the differences joked she should move to Mexico.
Does this surprise you? Honestly, I’m not surprised if it does because as the Mexico Correspondent for International Living, the number one question I get asked from people thinking of moving to Mexico is “Is Mexico Safe?”
For me, as a single woman who travels by herself and lives by herself, my answer is yes. Provided you use common sense of course. I mean, if you walk down a dark alley at two in the morning blind drunk then I wouldn’t vouch for your safety. But that is the same in every country in the world.
My experience living in Mexico has been positive. The warmth of the people delights me daily so if you’ll bear with me, I’d like to dispel a myth about the safety in Mexico.
Remember the famous old newspaper saying “If it bleeds, it leads”? The same applies to television and that is why the US 24-hour news cycle is fond of sensationalism. A lot of times when people think of Mexico they think of cartel shootouts in the street like it’s still the Wild West. It’s not.
Plus, please also remember Mexico is huge. With 31 states (Mexico City is still not technically a state), it’s three times the size of Texas and a vast majority is a far cry from the Wild West. In all 31 states, you’ll find warm local communities full of friendly locals who are quick to smile and help in any way they can. That’s real smiles too, not just a quick passing obligatory smirk. I’m talking about eye contact, genuine big smiles with those little eye crinkles at the corner and usually with a buenos diás (good morning) or buenos tardes (good afternoon) attached to it. How happy Mexico can make you is tangible.
I’m also talking first-hand experiences of acts of kindness and warmth shown toward me daily. From a bus driver who shared his lunch with me at a roadside stop to a gorgeous old granny in the supermarket who gave me half of her parsley because I needed it for a recipe. I have thousands of stories just like this showing the warmth of the people.
So, when I fly to the US to speak at conferences and someone in the audience inevitably asks me if Mexico is safe, I tell them the story of a man who chased me down the street once. The only time I have ever been chased in Mexico.
Do you know why? To give me back a 200 peso note dropped in the supermarket. He was behind me in the line and as soon as he’d purchased his groceries he came jostling up the road, jogging with arms fully laden with heavy bags to chase me down and return my money. Sweet? Yes incredibly. Do I mind being chased down the street? No, not at all. I wish more people would chase me down the street and give me money.
For those of you wondering, yes, he was wearing a big smile as well. That is why I live here. It’s also why Mexico is one of the top countries worldwide that people move to. It’s also why Mexico already has millions of expats from all over the world living throughout the country.
Safety and smiles. To me, that is Mexico — one of the happiest countries I have ever experienced.
We have had many lovely trips to Mexico and cannot say enough good about it, particularly in less touristed areas. It is a magical country with the loveliest people and we hope to move there as well. Our friends who moved there can’t wait to get back when they have visited stateside! Thank you you for your inspiring article- let’s hope it doesn’t persuade too many Americans- you don’t want Mexico to become Florida!
I’m so happy to hear you love Mexico and are thinking of moving here. That’s made my day.
Thanks for this, Bel. It’s really easy for us foreigners to get caught up in the frustrations and challenges that often accompany our lives in Mexico. But my experience has been similar to those mentioned here, and I’m proud to say I’m on my way to becoming a citizen.
Wonderful! I’m so happy to read this and love that you love Mexico too.
I wouldn’t be smiling living in Vermont either. Muy frio+VERY large mosquitos.
Aside from sensationalism, there’s a transformation going on since AMLO took over the country for the ruling oligarchs who own all conventional media. They despise him mainly due to taking away their priviliges and daily report fake news about AMLO NARCO PRESIDENT and on an on. Mexico’s crime rates have all come down since 2018. The recent elections again prove that the majority of Mexicans approve of AMLO, have greater well being, upward mobility and safety. Mexico is a happy and safe place!
I agree Diego, Mexicans are lovely and I have never once unsafe in Mexico!
I’ve lived in Mexico going on four years now and I agree about the friendliness of Mexicans. But comparing them to New Englanders isn’t a good comparison. Even in NYC where I lived for many years, people are more openly friendly than in New England where folks are proudly aloof. Though I do love to visit NH and VT, especially the Brattleboro and Keene areas.
In 1973 in Yuma Arizona I spent the evening with a bunch of gringo hitchhikers just back from hitchhiking in Mexico. One was a stunning woman who had hitchiked alone until recently linking upbwith the others. I was impressed.
My current fiancee is Mexican. One night someone plowed into her SUV while she was asleep (and I was away). About 2 weeks later, someone had lived nearby in our community of Tijuana owned up to it and arranged to have it fixed very well. Where does that happen in the USA?
Wow! Both great stories, thanks for sharing those with us!
This article is not only inspiring but very true. My wife and I came to San Miguel de Allende on our honeymoon in 1990. We immediately fell in love with the city and stayed. In the 35 years we have lived here I have never seek a fight or a confrontation. The core value of this country is respect and family. People are kind. We just finished a three month tour of the United States, don’t get me wrong, I love America but there is a tangible difference between the smiles. 24 to 3 is about right.
Aww thank you! I love your story and am so happy you took the time to share it with us.
This is inspiring. I’m coming down from New Mexico to vacation for a few days and look over an area where I might spend part of my retirement. It’s looking more and more like a realistic idea!
Thank you so mnuch and welcome! Mexico is a great place to retire and if you have any questions about moving here please just ask me, I’ve helped many people find a dream life abroad.