Why is it so hard to make friends in Cyprus?

• I have been living for 4 months now in Cyprus - and all my friends are foreigners!!! Why is it so hard to make friends from Cyprus? Sometimes I get the impression that they prefer to stay amongst themselves. This is not really what I expected when I came here.
  

  07 Jun 2007, 02:23 Pete

Replies

• Friends

  hi Pete,
  where abouts are you in Cyprus?
  
  i am looking to move over soon and take over a business, is it generally hard to meet new people over there?
  
  how long have you been there?

  matt 11 Jul 2007, 10:16 - Report

• Hello

  Hi Pete,
  Are you already in Cyprus. Maybe we can get to be friends as well. Yeah its true they like to keep to them selves. But i hope to see you soon.
  Sean.
  Email me at [email removed]

  Sean 14 Jul 2007, 01:58 - Report

• You should move North

  If you want to haev friends, you cando what I and many other ex-pats have done.
  
  Move to Turkish North Cyprus.
  
  If you want some information about doing so let me know:
  
  [email removed]

  George Breyer 01 Jan 2008, 01:31 - Report

• Jealous Cypriots

  I have had a very close Cypriot friends when I was in the Middle East. We'd been very good friends for 5 years. During this time, I visited his country 7 times and he visited mine twice. I liked the Cyprus although it's tiny. For the 7 visits, I did not have the chance to have friends except my good old friend Andreas. I feel that Cypriots are generally jealous. I also feel that they do not want their compatriots to be with any foreigner. Very selfish. But I still remember my friend, and I miss him so much.

  Freddaki 13 Apr 2008, 11:33 - Report

• Language

  Do you speak Greek? If not, that's the reason. It's not fun for Cypriots to constantly have to converse with people in a foreign language within their own country.

  Terry 19 May 2008, 11:12 - Report

• it's a joke

  cypriots thing they are better than everyone else, but they aren't.

  Lee Lee 25 May 2008, 02:46 - Report

• Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus

  Experience sincerity and the warmth of Turkish Cypriots in the Turkish Republic Of Northern Cyprus.
  
  Foreigners are very welcome in the North and always have been.

  miltiades 27 May 2008, 06:02 - Report

• Friends

  I am sorry to see all the negatives about Cypriot people. I have visited just twice and on each occasion found that the endemic people are not very open and friendly.
  
  The majority of the staff at the hotel where I have stayed twice are mainly imported and are brow beaten and bullied by the Greek Cypriots. I have gone out of my way to strike up friendships but to no avail.
  
  The pity is that I enjoy what Cyprus has to offer. A mixture of sun, culture, excitement and
  scenery.
  
  While I am sometimes embarrassed by a small minority of Brits who have to behave like pigs it would be hoped that the Cypriots would recognise this and welcome us even if its only for the Euro we bring.
  
  If you see a big guy hobbling around the Paphos region in October wearing a T-Shirt with this message... Smile and you may gain a friend..Frown and you will lose a customer.. that will be me. Buy me a pint will ya!

  Greg Fester 03 Jun 2008, 09:58 - Report

• A friend from Cyprus.

  I am a Cypriot from Limassol. At the end you may all have right. It is not as easy for Cypriots as you thought. It’s a small island surrounded by enemies. Since ancient years everyone willing to visit Cyprus was to occupy the island, Since 33 years ago the invention by Turks. It’s in our culture to be a bit afraight to friendship with foreigners because the history tough as so. The fact that Cyprus as an island is isolated from the rest continent also played an important role since foreigners just recently started to move permanently in Cyprus and we don't know how to handle it. Imaging an isolated island with a strong Christian culture to be isolated surrounded by Muslim countries and always under foreigners occupation. Me personally I am very sorry for this situation, although I am happy that slowly - slowly things are changing and more and more Cypriots are becoming less xenophobe. Believe me that Cypriots will change sooner or later and you will notice that can become your best friends. I do not criticize anyone in this forum because anyone experience is proving our loneliness. Sometimes we are pigs and sometimes “malakes” and sometimes we are protecting ourselves. I will take what friend Greg Fester said above for his T-shirt "smile and you may gain a friend". I have a lot of friends in UK, Japan, Italy, Greece, Russia, Israel, Lithuania but they not so often answer to my phone calls, friendship needs time to bloom. Take care everybody and you are always welcome in Cyprus.

  Yiannis 04 Jun 2008, 06:14 - Report

• Another Friend from Cyprus

  Very well said Cypriot friend from Limassol, i agree that's the way its is. I am a Cypriot from Larnaca. I understand the problem too, but i strongly believe that things will change soon. More and more young Cypriots now study abroad and this helps in reducing the xenophobe problem. I am studying in the US now and i have made friends that come from all over the world. I was afraid before too. I had only friends that where Cypriots just because i was afraid. I didn't know how to approach foreign people and how to be friends with them. I used to believe that we didn't have many things in common and that there was nothing to say. Now i realized this is all wrong. It's so fascinating to be able to understand another culture and i was amazed by how many things in common we have.
  
  Don't be afraid to approach a Cypriot, believe me they are more afraid than you. Once you go closer to them you will soon understand that Cypriots can be very loyal and good friends

  Chrystalo 06 Jun 2008, 07:08 - Report

• Cheers !

  Hey Yiannis and Cgrystalo - I dont know much about cyprus, but had an opportunity to work there sometime back. but you throw some light on the culture... and are perfect example. with yours and Chrystalo's blog looks like cypriots are actually nice people, they may be bit conservative due to their history. cheers !

  Rajashri - India 07 Jun 2008, 10:25 - Report

• true friends

  This is response to Cos's comments, since he has lived most of his life abroad, and says Cyprus is an unfriendly place. I would like to hear from him or anyone else of a place that is friendly and people are not judged by their nationality, religion, gender or etc. Oh, also generally honest. (I am looking for someplace to go.)

  Marcia 14 Jul 2008, 06:05 - Report

• place for everyone

  cypruss is beautiful islant situated in mediterian.Thus,everyone is intrested to visit in cypruss or study in rite there.we should respect human right.

  peace 19 Jul 2008, 12:15 - Report

• nice place

  cyprus local should help foreigners as tourist,studen.whatever when it comes to humanitiarian ground everything is peace and lovely.

  peace 19 Jul 2008, 12:18 - Report

• Can we all get alone

  I have a friend from there, she is really nice, but you have to understand the conflict, culture, languages, and other stuff to mengle with people and I guess this is every where but it's manifest more in semi isolated isolated islands but try to think of people as just simply humans and try to appreciate them and create bridges to get through their way of thinking and let's keep politics and hatred out of it.

  Omar Arnold 03 Aug 2008, 11:14 - Report

• cyprus

  i am from romania. i have been to cyprus few times. in my opinion , people who complain so much about this country , should go back to their birth place. they do not have to stay there. why they stay if they do not like it???? remember , you are a guest in cyprus. you should be very happy that they accept you. i had good days and also bad days there. so...if you do not like it , larnaca airport or paphos is open 24/24 hours.

  octavian 24 Aug 2008, 10:41 - Report

• Hi to all. To Jessie

  Hey Jessie.
  Im hoping to come there to Cyprus. I think its a beautiful place and i dont believe what everyone says here cuz we all have our experiences and its best to experience themselves. I would love to find out more about Cyprus and probably meet people there. so anyone is welcome to write to me. [email removed]

  Mustafa from Pakistan 27 Aug 2008, 07:32 - Report

• Hassan

  i m leaving for cyprus on 22nd august, on studnet visa, should i go there?? after reading abt cyprus , i got affraid. plz some one help me
  [email removed]
  0092-0334-5086293

  hassan 03 Sep 2008, 05:29 - Report

• how long

  to meet new people over there ?
  is it hard

  alessio 15 Sep 2008, 11:37 - Report

• It really is difficult

  Hi all!!
  
  We moved to Cyprus 4 months ago, and it really is difficult meeting new people and making friends. Most speak greek and are unfriendly. I did decide to give it a fair chance though. If anyoje else feels lonely in Cyprus, send me an email, I think we all could use some friends!!
  
  [email removed]

  Tanya 16 Sep 2008, 11:53 - Report

• language and communication is important

  Personally, I like Cyprus a lot - with lots of beautiful beaches and people. I have visited Cyprus and i dont find Cypriot as what being describe in previous post messages. I remember when i am taking my flight from Bahrain to Larcana 2 months back, i met a cypriot on the flight and we chat. He told me about where to visit and what i must see on the island. I met some nice local people when i was in Paphos as well.
  
  I personally feel that, one must be able to fit in the local culture and be able to accept the local traditions. Build the trust and you will find friendship. Language is always an important factor of proper communication. If given a chance, i will learn Greek as well.
  
  Being a foreigner, going to any country we will get such incidents even the most civilised countries like UK, France, Canada, Australia and USA.
  There are 6 Billions people on earth, i am sure there are a lot of friendly and down to earth one.

  Kenny 24 Sep 2008, 10:42 - Report

• cyprus my love

  I spent 4 years in cyprus and loved it. I had children in the french school in nicosia and was very much involved in french community but I felt so good there...
  I went back a few months ago after 6 years for a week and didn't feel the EU change too much although it's here.
  I felt good, I felt home, I went through the island, to asinou, to agios georgos and ate a nice fish mezze...
  
  Next month, we're going back and wonder if we're not going to settle there.
  I love what you hate ie people stopping on the pavement, I feel free in Cyprus (in corea you stand up for ten minuts because the light is red when there's no cars at all)
  
  I love the sun, the sea, the morning markets and the fantastic cucumbers! the taste of oranges, the lemon you pick up in your garden, the time passing slow, the old men in the cafenion, the full security permitting to sleep open windows on the street. My daughter, teenagers, wanted to leave as they felt cyprus too small. Now they are 20, they also have beautiful memories
  
  One regret only, but if we go back that will change: we took greek lessons but it was hopeless. Il we live there, first thing shall be to learn greek.
  
  Only one thing I hate is the construction business and how they destroyed the island with no ancient buildings and horrible houses... they will sure regret it but for the moment prefer show off column houses on the road side...
  
  Hope I brought some hope on this forum !!!

  veronique 26 Sep 2008, 09:05 - Report

• hello

  looking for a friend from cyprus lets hook up
  [email removed]

  thez 30 Sep 2008, 05:16 - Report

• the island of love

  me and my friend are thinking to live and work in Cyprus..may be just for the winter,that is cold everywhere else in Europe.we are christians ortodox,and i don't know if ..we should only look for jobs in the South???probably we will be welcomed..warmer among chritians considering everything i have read here iam confused!i looked up on the internet and i fell in love with that place immediately,i just don;t know what to expect?

  stephanie 18 Oct 2008, 01:20 - Report

• Cyprus

  I am Cypriot Turkish but have studied and lived in Australia for a while. I have visited both sides of the island, and just like anywhere in the world friends arnt that hard to make, i suggest joining groups for example sporting groups etc that arnt just foreigners if you're interested in making local friends or groups that are just foreigner groups if that is what also floats your boat, you need to be proactive in your search friends are found through common ground and common interests. Cyprus is a great country to visit and even better to live, im speaking on behalf of the North but im sure the south is just as good. The best way to know for yourself is to experience it, like with anything. It never hurts to try! but if your smart you might not want to sell away all your assets and blindly move and that goes with any country, make a back up plan. With finding work the best way is actually living on the island and through word of mouth, there is alot of work for students part time etc. I have to agree in some ways that we are lazy, but that is the Island mentality we are too busy enjoying and living life to the fullest with good food, music and pleasures. Ifran, you have your opinion and that is to be respected or so were told, but your abusive, ignorant nature has done well on this forum to further reinforce the stereotype of angry Pakistani peasant people. And you suck at Cricket! Imran Kahn bows his head in shame.
  Also to those concerned the Turkish army wont be going anywhere/anytime soon so if you dont like it, too bad. They saved us in 1974 from oppression, and now they protect us and our Humanity while we sleep,live and enjoy life and I dont use that word lightly, "humanity" think about what that means to you.

  Whirling Dervish 24 Oct 2008, 06:51 - Report

• new friends n cyprus..and msg for Irfan

  i will be spending a few weeks every few months in Cyprus (north) my boyfriend is living there and is in the army. Im a pilates teacher and im running a yoga retreat in May there....want to make some friends prior to going....1st trip dec/jan....
  We are all human, lets try not to judge one another, everyone we meet is a reflection of ourselves....ask for good people to come into your life , believe, and they will appear..Irfan, you obviously had some really racist experiences..im sending you some healing and some love. x

  izzy 05 Nov 2008, 11:24 - Report

• confused

  hay i em coming to cyprus next month for my studies... but i em very confused after reading the comments abt the people of cyprus.i always thoght that these people are very friendly,that is why i choose cyprus for my studies. i am from pakistan .

  kamran hameed 12 Dec 2008, 02:19 - Report

• FFS

  I was just about to book a flight to Cyprus until I cam across this site. I have 2 Cypriot friends I met in Scotland, one from the north and the other, south.
  
  I am of Pakistani origin, born and brought up in the UK. The thought of receiving racist attitudes is putting me off and I don't want to be a seen as gatecrasher.
  
  I had a fantastic experience in Turkey where the locals were really nice and even nicer when I told them that I was of Pakistani origin. Should I just go to north Cyprus and avoid the south?

  Reluctant gatecrasher in UK. 20 Dec 2008, 11:08 - Report

• NIGHT IS LONG

  Write in English so the rest can understand

  Dark night of limassol 27 Dec 2008, 10:51 - Report

• friendship?

  Wow this is quite a read .. I can't beleive that people who don't even know each other can fight so much. I guess that is how war starts we forget we all bleed red in the end.
  I am a canadian woman in Cyprus and wanted to meet some friends hmmmm now I found this site I wonder where to look.I am really not racist in any way and actually feel very sorry for those who are.I was hoping that this would be a good place to find people to talk to hre.

  CanadianGirl 28 Dec 2008, 05:23 - Report

• Friends in Cyprus

  Hi there,
  
  Can anybody give me any advise on how to find an old property, which needs doing up, we have very limited funds and want to have a holiday home where we can one day retire to, we do not like those modern flats and would prefer a tiny house,
  we do not know where to start,any advise would be greatly appreciated.
  
  Regards Sue

  Sue Yu 15 Feb 2009, 08:55 - Report

• You are all wrong

  To Irfan:
  
  My dear friend you don't know what the hell are you talking about!
  1.Cyprus has one of the greatest economies in Europe. The reason the government entered EU was the political problems since the cypriot pound was stronger that the english-what it used to be 3 years ago.
  2.My opinion is that Cypriot girls are some of the hottest in the world. I study in UK and all men are trying on them. The same implies for men. Mediterranean people have pretty faces and nice bodies in average.
  3.If you were proud of your heritage you would not be racist to other ethnicities. Cypriots are considered of white race. The race does not matter but as I notice in UK big percentage of Pakistans feel ashamed of their colour, their culture, their food and feel like they don't stick to the english culture. I know that you do have culture, history, food and of course we all know how bad is the economy in Pakistan and what poverty there is. We also know that literally there is not democracy. I hope this changes one day.
  
  This is to everyone.
  
  I have been living in Cyprus for 19 years. I have seen with my own eyes that hospitality is the MOST important cultural issue in the island. I live in UK the last two years and I see a huge difference. People in Cyprus are curious and love to have friends from abroad. Is in their nature and history proves that, to be welcome. They are also really consious and the first to send assistance to Africa and Asia when in wars, erthquakes etc. Mostly they're warm people who are proud of their culture and confident for it. Apart from that most of the Cypriots speak english.
  
  For all of you saying they can't make friends in Cyprus:
  Have you ever tried to? I personally have never seen someone foreigner to approach me and speak to me or to someone else in front of me. Especially the English come to the island to spend their holidays with their friends and never seem to seek for the socialization. I guarantee you that 90% of the population would be positive to have friends from other countries so go and talk to meet them.
  
  my email is [email removed] and that is a proof of what I am saying

  Arkas 19 Feb 2009, 01:25 - Report

• Did anyone work in Dehkilia

  Hi all, just to change the subject, I was wondering if anyone can help me. I am looking for anyone who worked at 48 command workshop R.E.M.E Dehkelia from 1972-1974 Thanks.

  Andri 09 Mar 2009, 12:46 - Report

• Hello!

  Personally, I've never heard such a load of old racist rubbish as has been written in the above thread. I'm well travelled but have never been to Cyprus, but would very much like to visit. I think it's important to try to integrate and speak to people as much as possible, despite any language barriers. I want to experience their food, culture and history, otherwise what is the point of visiting anywhere??? If you don't follow those sentiments then don't bother going anywhere, stay at home! People can think they're not racist and then ridicule places unnecessarily, well that is racism! It's a big world out there - get a life! Embrace different cultures! We are fortunate that we can visit different countries and whether we like them or not, it's something that people weren't able to do until relatively recently. Have respect for people and their cultures and hopefully respect will be afforded back, otherwise what's the point in travelling?!
  
  I very much look forward to coming to Cyprus soon, despite any silly negative comments!

  Marje 15 May 2009, 01:54 - Report

• A reply to all the people

  Hi there people. I am Cypriot, studied in Canada and Cyprus and now back and working. I will try to comment as simply as I can on Cyprus, its people and cultures
  
  Cyprus hate foreigners: Cypriots do NOT hate foreigners but they are very cautious with them. Historically, everyone who could built a boat that would last for one hour in the sea would come and take over the island. Then came the waves if immigrants from former Soviet Union countries which took the jobs Cypriot's wouldn't do and the media exaggerated the issue out of proportions.
  
  Are there differences between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots?
  Very few cultural differences. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots (and by Turkish Cypriots I mean people born and raised in Cyprus by Cypriot parents) are in their majority kind and hospitable. I had a hard time telling apart Greek from Turkish Cypriots while I studied abroad. With the exception of language, religion (which never was an issue) and politics, Greek and Turkish Cypriots are birds of the same feather.
  
  Can I make friends with Cypriots?
  Yes you can. Apparently a number of interracial couples seem to show that is possible. The key is to become part of the "circle". Once you are in the Cypriot's social circle, once you are accepted as one of their own then they will open up their arms and hearts for you. We tend to make closer friends with people with similar social and cultural backgrounds like Latinos and middle Eastern people.
  
  I am being friendly but still I can't blend in. Why?
  
  Cypriots have only relatively recently begun opening up as a society, travel and be educated abroad. Things ARE changing. A great place to meet open minded Cypriots willing to open up to you are through various clubs and single issue organisations.
  i.e.
  -Cultural Clubs (French-Cypriot societies etc)
  - Kennel Clubs. If you love dogs you also love people who love dogs.
  -Activism. Sign up to an NGO, environmental, social, interracial. There is also the Immigrant Support Centre. Lots of people liking foreigners and willing to do their best to help them integrate.
  
  This are just some hints people. We are difficult people us Cypriots, Greeks and Turks alike, but we are good people. Make the effort and good things will happen.

  Theodoros 19 May 2009, 01:51 - Report

• bravo

  cyprus is good country. i realy loving it

  haseeb 25 May 2009, 12:51 - Report

• vsd

  vdsa

  vsadvs11 12 Jun 2009, 10:44 - Report

• Cyprus friends

  I am a Cypriot living in the US. I only made friends in the US and became integrated when I decided to do so. ie embraced the culture, the food, the social norms and the people. Students have this problem everywhere, the americans have a term for it and is called cultural shock. You get reverse cultural shock when you return back to your country of origin. Look for it online.
  
  Specifically for Pakistanis. As you may know Cyprus and Turkey are technically in a "war" status. Pakistan is a friend of Cyprus' archenemy ie the friend of my enemy is my enemy. Cyprus supports India in all Pakistan/India conflicts. The best advise is that if you don't care about politics to say so and don't try defend your governements position on the Cyprus/Turkey conflict, find a polite way to change the conversation. If you want to interject yourself in this conflict be prepare to receive all the anger and emotions that Cypriots reserve for it.
  
  For all foreigners in Cyprus it will help to speak the language of your host country. Just because many Cypriots speak english it doesn't mean they enjoy spending their days speaking a foreign language in their off time. They do it with tourists when they get paid for it. When relaxing they want to speak their own language in their own country.
  
  Here in the US I think the protestants are heredics and should burn in hell (joking) but I don't go around telling people that. Cypriots being surrounded by islam feel threatened so if a muslim student shows respect for Christianity Cypriots will deeply appreciate it.
  
  I embraced the culture in the US and I am having a blast (I love steaks). In Cyprus eat souvla, drink frape go to the beach and do some clubbing....don't forget grilled halloumi. Do not try to replicate your own culture in Cyprus because it's almost impossible. Cypriot students in the UK and US are trying to do that and they are missing the opportunity to see how people in teir host countries live and work.
  
  Local people don't need new friends, they have their relatives, classmates neighbors etc. It's your job to go out and actively seek friends.
  
  BTW Cypriots like everybody else are racists until they know you individually they will continue being racist with the rest but will love YOU to death.

  Kyproleon 20 Jun 2009, 04:44 - Report

• A neutral pakistani's view

  I have been living out of pakistan from the age of 4, and rather hating the place and people where i currently reside, i try to adapt to the culture and people. The same goes for a lot of pakistanis in my surroundings.
  
  To all the pakistanis:
  there is racism everywhere, and against everyone! Dont judge the entire nation or its population by the acts of a few. I have lived in the US & the middle east, and honestly... you are respected first for what kind of person you are and then your ethnicity. Yes, there would be instances where you face uncalled for racism, but hell... thats life mate! Ignorance is a bliss! Besides, the land that gives you shelter & food is for you to defend and respect, that is the teaching of our religion.
  
  To all others:
  yes i do agree that some of our people have not been upto their best behavior in Cyprus, but stereotyping is not the way to go. Not everyone is the same... i highly respect cyprus for its developement and admire how they have been able to do this after being at war for so many years. There are murderers, rapists, psychopaths etc. from virtually every country in the world, but does that mean every citizen of that country is such? More then anything, Pakistan has been a victim of someone else's interest and politics that has made it seem so. So you see... not all pakistanis are 'terrorists' or want to harm you
  
  Im proud of my country, as all of you are of yours. Comparing economics, army strengths etc. for the sake of showing others down is lame and ignorant. Lets be proud from where we hail and make others respect your nation by being a good example of it, not by stating facts about the general population.
  
  Cheers!

  mohd. 28 Jun 2009, 04:16 - Report

• What is the best way to make friends in Cyprus...i just want some one who can help me learn greek

  hi, Its me krishna, came from beautiful county nepal....i am her for about 1 and half months..i am very much keen to make friends who knows and who can teach me greek....if u r interested to make friends and willing to teach me greek then contact me at: [email removed]
  i am wating to have very good friend very soon.
  
  Krishna, Nicosia, Cyprus

  krishna 25 Jul 2009, 10:12 - Report

• cyprus and friends

  Hello. I stumbled upon this thread and I thought I'd share my views on the original question. I grew up in Cyprus and returned to it after spending many years abroad at various western countries. I too have problems making friends in Cyprus although I am a very social person. I speak perfect greek so it's not the language. It's just that Cypriots don't become friends with people who happen to talk to them at bars, on the street, etc. In fact, If you talk to someone at the bar in CY it is usually interpreted that you're hitting on him/her! Cypriots usually make friends through their acquaintances (i.e., they know somebody and they meet his/her friends and so on). So the hard thing is to get into the circle. What I'm trying to say is that there are a lot of cypriots who are not xenophopic (yes, there is a prejudice against people from countries from asia). It's just that they don't make friends with whomever they accidentally meet. This applies to both foreigners and locals. Although we don't make friends easily, those we make we hang on to them and care about them. Our friends are not just people with whom we hang out, they are much more than that. That said, I agree that it's not easy trying to make friends in Cyprus. But, there are a lot of educated young people in Cyprus who are very open to have foreign friends. You (and me as well) have to work a bit harder for it.

  Nikos 31 Jul 2009, 08:04 - Report