Why Life Feels Different in Spain (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Living in Spain as Americans has opened our eyes to some major cultural differences—and we’re sharing the ones that truly surprised us. From phone habits at the dinner table to the rhythm of daily life, meal times, healthcare, social customs, and even how people interact with elders, Spain has a way of doing things that feels refreshingly human.

In this episode of Closer to Happy, we reflect on some of the most striking contrasts we’ve experienced between Spain and the U.S.. It’s not about which country is better—it’s about recognizing how much culture shapes our habits, priorities, and expectations.
🇪🇸 Fewer phones. More face-to-face connection.
🍷 Long, lingering meals with wine at lunch.
💬 Multilingual respect.
💊 Healthcare that’s shockingly affordable.
❤️ Family-centered living.
🎉 Festivities that aren’t sponsored by a soft drink brand.

For our friends in the U.S.—if you’ve ever wondered what everyday life could feel like somewhere else, or if you’re considering a move abroad, this episode is for you.

#CloserToHappy #LifeInSpain #ExpatLife #SpainVsUSA #SlowLiving


👉 Which of these cultural differences do you relate to? Which ones would be hardest to adjust to? Drop us a comment—we’d love to hear from you!

📺 Welcome to Closer to Happy — we’re Cliff and Cheryl, an American couple living in Spain, sharing real stories about moving abroad, designing a slower lifestyle, and finding joy in everyday moments. Subscribe for honest reflections on life, culture, and change.

📌 LIKE this video if you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad!
💬 COMMENT below: What’s one cultural difference you’d struggle with most?
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🩺 Spanish healthcare options we’ve used:
Helicopteros Sanitarios → https://www.helicopterossanitarios.com

📬 [email protected]

00:00 - Intro: Life Feels Different Here
00:38 - Phones Down, Conversations Up 🇪🇸
02:05 - Americans Glued to Screens? 📱
03:10 - Bilingual Culture & Language Patience
04:42 - Dinner at 10 PM?! Spanish Mealtimes 🍽️
06:58 - Sobremesa: The Art of Lingering
08:25 - Siesta Culture & Planning Around It 💤
09:38 - Sundays = Everything’s Closed 🛒
10:15 - Spain's Non-Commercial Festivities 🎉
12:25 - Healthcare in Spain vs. the U.S. 💊
15:34 - Affordable Emergency Services 🚑
17:00 - Elder Care & Family-Centered Culture ❤️
18:30 - “What Do You Do?” Isn’t a Thing Here
19:50 - Slower Services & Grocery Line Hacks 🧀
21:25 - Fitness, Food & Fast-Food Culture 🍔 vs 🥗
23:12 - Radical Honesty: No Filter in Spain 😅
24:15 - Final Thoughts: Embracing the Differences
25:00 - Your Turn: What Surprised *You*?