How to Handle Wolf Whistles and Other Flattering Remarks in Central and South America

When I visited Costa Rica a few months ago, besides the language of ongoing beeping that cars and trucks seemed to have, the thing that shocked me the most on the streets was the amount of cat calls I got. We are not talking about the odd wolf whistle - we are talking beeps from one in three drivers and motorcyclists that passed, and constant coos of "nena" (baby) and "guapa" (sexy) from men, particularly old men, on the footpath. Needless to say, it was culture shock at its best.

Not that guys in cars never beep at you in New Zealand, but, well, it's far less frequent and usually requires you to be dressed up rather... shall we say... 'nicely'. In Costa Rica, it didn't matter if you were wearing the least thrilling t-shirt in existence. Men. Noticed. You.

Not that I have any statistics to whip out, but from the point of view of someone who has been to Central America with other (white) female friends and who has since swapped stories with fellow females back home, there generally seems to be a variation in responses to such attention.

One thing is for sure - the initial reaction, as I have already mentioned, is surprise. However, further responses ranged from feeling enraged to flattered. Some girls were offended by being so blatantly "objectified" by the opposite sex. However, it is the opposite response I would encourage you towards. Piropos (flattering remarks) are just that - flattering! Latino men mean no harm, in fact, it's quite the opposite!

Maybe we could stop waving the PC flag for a second and appreciate cultures that appreciate women. Isn't it a nice change to feel noticed, for once, even if it does seem a little overboard? Sure, you've probably heard of the machismo (masculine) culture of much of Latin America, but don't worry, they're not yelling, "Hey baby, you're lookin' fine - oh and could I get a sandwich with that?" All that wolf whistling... No, it isn't half bad.

I have to admit, however, I probably didn't get it as "tough" as some of my friends. Being half filipino, a lot of Ticos (Costa Ricans) just thought I was one of them - until I opened my mouth, that is. For Caucasians, the reception is slightly more overwhelming. It is important to remember that most of Latin America is unfamiliar with seeing white people in their country. So, yes, they go crazy about blonde hair and creamy skin. My red, curly haired friend was eagerly nicknamed "Taylor Swift" by one Tico. Again, it's not such a bad thing.

At the end of the day, Latinos don't expect any kind of "success" with the ladies they ogle at. Nor are they setting out to offend. So the best way to handle the attention is just to smile and wave, or at least to accept it graciously and not get worked up. Hispanic people are good-natured and friendly, there is no point offending them by throwing their compliments back in their faces.