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Armenians take pride in being ‘nosy’ – and that’s a good thing. Let me explain why.
Growing up in Poland, I was always taught not to ‘stick my nose’ into other people’s business. However, during a recent trip to Armenia, it was precisely the ‘nosiness’ of the locals that truly made my time there remarkable.
In contrast, an earlier visit to New York City, where the overall disinterest those around me had towards other people, left me feeling unsettled and out of place in the city.
The perception of Armenians as ‘nosy’ people can be linked to cultural characteristics rather than a definitive trait. In many non-Western cultures, including in Armenia, there is a tendency for individuals to be more involved in each other’s lives, which can be described as “sticky”.
This term reflects a communal approach where personal boundaries may not be as rigidly observed as in more individualistic societies. Armenians often express concern for one another, viewing it as a form of care and support rather than nosiness.
From the moment I arrived in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, I was struck by the friendliness and curiosity of the locals. No matter where I was, everyone seemed to pay interest to those around them – they were constantly ‘people watching’.
Coming from Poland, this was new for me – as in many places I’ve visited, mainly in Europe. Yet somehow, this mere acknowledgment by others created a sense of belonging and comfort in me I hadn’t expected.
Stranger in Qrchi bazar pointing out the best place to take pictures.
This Armenian hospitality followed me throughout my trip. A small but unusual gesture – a passerby wished me “bon appetit” while I was having lunch in an outdoor café – made me smile. An even more unexpected act of kindness was when a man helped me find the best place to take a picture for an article. Seeing this stranger take time out of his day to become executive director and producer of my mini photoshoot warmed my heart.
The kindness continued when vendors at a food market offered samples of their food, asking questions about my background, interests and experiences, without prompting me to purchase anything.
This eagerness to engage created a welcoming atmosphere and, suddenly, this new, unknown place became less daunting.
In stark contrast, my recent trip to New York City for a summer journalism course, left me feeling isolated and disconnected.
As I wandered the streets, I felt the general indifference of the people towards one another. It seemed that everyone was so absorbed in their own lives that they had no time or interest in engaging with those around them.
This became very evident during an assignment I had to interview strangers in Central Park and Lincoln Center. My group was advised not to approach people who seemed occupied – whether eating, on the phone, walking quickly or with headphones on – to get the most responses with the time we had. Even so, very few people were willing to give us the time of day.
It is understandable to be sceptical of strangers who approach you. But, so many people waved us off before we could even finish a sentence. I understand that people can be busy, yet we were only asking for a minute of their day, which in my opinion is quite reasonable. We also wore bright red lanyards reading ‘The School of The New York Times’, so we were obviously students.
The indifference of those we approached made me feel less confident to explore the city on my own. I found myself constantly second-guessing my decisions and feeling like an outsider looking in, rather than a welcomed guest.
Breaking down barriers
While some may view the curiosity and engagement of Armenians as intrusive or nosy, I believe this type of interaction is a benefit to travellers.
By engaging with locals, visitors have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, customs and way of life in the country they are visiting. It also helps to break down barriers and create a sense of connection between visitors and the local community.
This kind of warmth and friendliness can make a trip more enjoyable and memorable. Knowing that there are people who are genuinely interested in your experience and willing to help can make a traveller feel more confident and secure.
These two trips made me understand how it is the people who have the biggest impact on your experience, trumping everything else.
As a teenager who loves to travel, I encourage all visitors to embrace the ‘nosiness’ of locals and see it as an opportunity to learn, grow and connect with the world around them.
After all, it’s the unexpected encounters that often make the best memories.
Born in 2008 in Zurich, Switzerland, and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Charlotte has studied in Monaco for the last eight years. She is interested in the humanities and plans to study History and English. For Harbingers’ Magazine, she writes about social affairs, human rights, politics and culture.
In her free time, Charlotte loves painting and photography. She won the International King’s College art competition in 2023 and was a runner-up in 2024. She also takes up leadership roles and public speaking, being in her school’s student senate for the last three years and attending conferences at UN headquarters primarily regarding human rights and the climate.
Charlotte speaks Polish, English, French and Italian.
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