Argentinians are known for being friendly, and “friendship” is considered one of the three core values that define them. A recent survey of 1,006 Argentinians aged 16 and older confirmed that for 90% of them, friends are “very” or “quite” important in their lives. The survey, conducted by the consulting firm Voices!, explores various aspects of friendship in 2024.
Interestingly, while friendship is highly valued in Argentina, it’s not always easy to discuss certain topics, even among close friends. Common uncomfortable topics include politics (49% feel uneasy discussing it) and personal financial situations (47% feel similarly). Other sensitive topics include personal fears (37%), physical appearance (31%), sexuality (29%), and relationships (28%). Mental health is also a tricky subject for 25% of respondents, while 21% are uneasy discussing physical health. Age, however, seems to be less of a taboo, with only 12% feeling uncomfortable talking about it.
The level of comfort in discussing personal issues with friends seems to increase with age. Constanza Cilley, director of the company that conducted the research, notes that despite greater openness and visibility of sensitive issues, young people still find it challenging to talk about certain personal matters. For instance, 58% of young people feel uncomfortable discussing their finances with friends, compared to 40% of those over 50. Additionally, 42% of young people feel uneasy discussing their physical appearance, compared to 24% of older individuals. About 38% of young people are uncomfortable discussing mental health and 36% are uneasy talking about sex, suggesting a significant gap between access to information and the ability to discuss these topics openly.
Another type of friendship that evolves over time is the “friend with benefits,” a relationship where people engage in occasional sexual activity without romantic commitment. This type of relationship is celebrated on July 19th in countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. This date was chosen to precede the traditional Friendship Day, emphasizing the unique nature of these relationships. Research by Swiss researcher Laura Machia on 192 individuals around 30 years old found that 31% no longer maintained any relationship with their “friend with benefits,” 28% stopped sexual relations but remained friends, 26% continued the same type of relationship, and 15% transitioned into a formal romantic relationship.
Additionally, the professional exercise of journalism and criticism remains a cornerstone of democracy, often troubling those who consider themselves the sole keepers of truth. The support from friends may not only be emotional but also financial, as a third of Argentinians have donated money to friends or acquaintances in need. As relationships age, the comfort in discussing personal matters with friends generally increases, with younger people facing more significant barriers in openly discussing topics like money, appearance, mental health, and sexuality.
