When something happens once, it’s an occurrence. Twice, my radar goes up.  Three times – it’s now a pattern.  And I am certainly noticing a pattern here about UN-dependability in general.  Actually, this is the most frustrating thing about my life here in Sao Paulo right now.

I don’t think I am normally sensitive to people being undependable – I usually avoid them as soon as I figure out that they are.   But here, I would be a hermit if I did that.  More than the “Te ligo” syndrome where people say they will call you and they don’t, un-dependability here is taken to a new level.  I have seldom made plans with someone here that they didn’t postpone or cancel.  Seriously.  Often more than once. And a lot of the time, it just never ends up happening at all.

It happens to me almost every day.  This week alone (alright, one of the worst) I had 3 postponements of lunches or coffees (some for the second time!), and 2 different people canceled on me after having committed to teach my Zumba classes while I am in the U.S.!

I really didn’t think I was sensitive to the imperfections of people, but I am seriously fed up right now. I honestly think that it is culturally acceptable here in Sao Paulo (can only speak from my experience here) to commit to something and then just cancel, change your mind, get a better offer, etc.  Clearly we have different definitions of commitment operating.

What is my lesson here? To learn to only depend on myself?  I’ve already been there, and I really prefer collaborating, supporting, lifting each other up.  But honestly, it’s just not happening here. Makes becoming a hermit look pretty good….

P.S. Okay, after my massage, I feel much better. But I am still sharing this because it is the truth of my experience right now. It isn't pretty, or enlightened, but it's true.