How to Befriend a Lithuanian?
Being abroad can be challenging, and Erasmus students often befriend fellow Erasmus participants, creating friendships for life. However, forming a friendship with local people can be equally rewarding and significantly enrich your experience in Lithuania while you are here.
Lithuanians, like people from any other culture, have their unique way of building and maintaining friendships. At first glance, they may seem reserved or even distant, but they are genuinely warm, loyal, and sincere friends once you get to know them.
Making friends with a Lithuanian can be an enriching experience, especially if you take the time to understand their cultural values, habits, and communication styles. Here’s how you can make that happen!
1. Understand Lithuanian Culture and Values
Lithuanians take pride in their culture and history, so showing genuine interest in their traditions, celebrations, and heritage can go a long way. Bring up topics like basketball—Lithuania’s national passion—or express curiosity about their traditional celebrations like Joninės (Midsummer) or Užgavėnės (Shrove Tuesday). Also, you can find very interesting points of view if you ask about Halloween coming to Lithuania!
Lithuanians also deeply value their language. If you’re learning Lithuanian or even trying to say a few phrases, it will undoubtedly make a great impression. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the effort itself is often enough to win their respect.
2. Be Patient
Lithuanians tend to be cautious when forming new relationships, so don’t be discouraged if a friendship doesn’t blossom immediately. They like to take their time to get to know someone before considering them a friend. This slower pace isn’t a sign of disinterest; rather, it’s their way of ensuring that the connection is meaningful and trustworthy.
Avoid rushing the process or asking overly personal questions right away. Instead, stick to neutral topics like hobbies, travel, or favorite foods during your initial conversations.
3. Value Their Love for Sincerity
Lithuanians appreciate genuine conversations and authenticity. They often shy away from superficiality and value open, honest, sometimes even plainspoken communication. If you’re upfront about your intentions or feelings, it will help build a stronger connection. For example, if you’re interested in their culture or want to learn more about their daily life, don’t hesitate to say so. Lithuanians appreciate it when someone takes an interest in their opinions and experiences.
4. Connect Through Shared Interests and Activities
One of the best ways to befriend a Lithuanian is by sharing common activities. If you enjoy sports, especially basketball, attending a game or chatting about teams can be a great icebreaker. It’s not a 100% rule, but a hint to kickstart your conversation: most people from Vilnius support the “Rytas” basketball team, and from Kaunas – “Žalgiris” team. :)
Lithuanians also love nature—they often go hiking, cycling, or spend time in forests and by lakes. Inviting them to join you on a hike or sharing your interest in outdoor activities can help build a bond.
Many Lithuanians are also artistic and creative, enjoying music, literature, and the arts. Attending cultural events, like concerts, art galleries, or cinema, can help you meet like-minded individuals and make connections more easily.
Visiting a new exhibition in MO museum or the new Sapiegha Palace is always a good idea!
5. Respect Their Privacy
Lithuanians value their personal space, so it’s important to be mindful of boundaries. They tend to open up gradually, and oversharing too early in the relationship might feel overwhelming. Respect their need for personal time or family commitments, as family is often a top priority for them.
6. Appreciate Their Sense of Humor
Lithuanians have a subtle, sometimes ironic sense of humor. They enjoy light-hearted jokes about everyday life but also value respect in humor. Avoid making overly sharp or potentially offensive jokes, especially early in the friendship. As the bond deepens, you’ll find that Lithuanians are fun, witty, and great company.
7. Be a Loyal Friend
Once a Lithuanian considers you a friend, they are incredibly loyal. They value meaningful friendships and are always ready to support their friends in difficult times. Be attentive, listen, and show that you care. This approach will help you not only build a friendship but also maintain it for the long term.
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Befriending a Lithuanian can be a rewarding experience if you show genuine interest in their culture, respect their personal space, and are patient. While they may initially seem reserved, their friendships are deep and enduring. Take your time, immerse yourself in their world, share your experiences, and you’ll soon find not just a friend but someone who genuinely values your connection.
Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian