How to Tactfully Restore Contact With Your Cuban Friends

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Now that the U.S. has restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, you can officially restore your friendships with all your closest Cuban girlfriends from long ago. ¡Que bueno! But still, it can be awkward to return to a friendship after 50 years of silence. This step-by-step guide will help you handle this common situation with grace and ease:

 

Remind her why the two of you were friends. Remember when you two used to drive around town in your old Chevy, blasting the Everly Brothers and singing along at the top of your lungs? Mayelin’s family still has the same car back in Cuba! Oh my gosh, that’s so fun!

 

Don’t make it political. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, you were forced to cut Mayelin out of your life for political reasons. But that doesn’t mean you need to make becoming friends with her again too political! She’s probably forgotten about that whole “Bay of Pigs” thing anyway, and nothing ruins Girls’ Night In quite like the word “embargo.” Instead, ask her about her various ailments and chat about friends who have passed away.

 

Focus on the positive. Look, the Cold War was a long time ago; why not look on the bright side? Cuba has really nice weather! All the cigars you could smoke! A world-famous political prison! It was probably more like the Temperate War over there, haha! Just don’t bring up Elian Gonzalez. It spikes Mayelin’s blood pressure.

 

 

Avoid trigger words. Cold, war, Cuba, Cuban, Bay, Pigs, Bay of Pigs, Hispanic, trade, diplomatic, Eisenhower, and any U.S. President’s name are all good ones to steer clear of.

 

Examples:

“Mayelin, would you like this cigar? It’s from your home country.”

“I love our leader, Beyoncé.”

“Most of your U.S.-based family members have passed away.”

 

Show your appreciation. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, especially your estranged Cuban friends. Show them you care by inviting them over for drinks and gossip. Hopefully they remember who you are!

 

Sometimes it’s easy to let petty things like international diplomacy get in the way of our closest female friendships. Just remember that the Soviet Union’s got nothin’ on you and your Cubana gal pals!