"Italian girls are famous for being snobby and expecting men to make the first move. In America, if I don't make eye contact, the guys won't come over and talk. American girls just go for it. You men are spoiled"

Silvia Colloca draws an intriguing comparison between cultural dating norms in Italy and America. She points out the perception that Italian women are often seen as reserved and somewhat selective, expecting men to take the initiative in romantic pursuits. This expectation shapes the entire dynamic of dating; men are required to be proactive, to interpret subtle cues, and to continually make the first move if they hope to catch a woman's attention or affection. The "snobbiness" alluded to is less about a literal disdain and more about a culturally ingrained standard of who should pursue whom. It creates a kind of slow-burning courtship, where mystery and anticipation hold significant weight. Italian women, in this framework, maintain an aura of allure by holding back and challenging men to prove their interest.

Colloca then contrasts this with her experience in America, where the dating game is far more direct and immediate. She notes that if she doesn't initiate something as simple as eye contact, men often won't approach her. This reveals a set of unwritten rules very different from those in Italy. American social dynamics, at least in the dating scene, tend to be more egalitarian and efficiency-driven. Eye contact serves as an explicit invitation; without this green light, many men refrain from making advances, perhaps wary of appearing inappropriate or intrusive. This expectation puts impetus on both parties to reveal their interest, shifting some of the "first move" responsibility to women.

She summarizes the difference by suggesting that American girls are bold, unafraid to pursue what they want, and that American men are "spoiled" by this openness compared to the more complex rituals of Italian romance. Colloca's reflection ultimately comments on broader themes such as gender roles, social etiquette, and the evolving landscape of dating norms in different cultures.