Excellent article by Susannah Rigg
MEXICANS ARE VERY POLITE and can seem downright formal compared to residents of other Spanish-speaking countries. People greet each other in elevators, on buses, and shared taxis almost always with “con permiso,” — “with your permission,” — and “propio” — “you may grant your own permission, as you don’t need mine.”
I love all this about Mexican culture. However, it took me a long time to realize that, because of all the politeness, Mexicans really struggle to say “no” and will find any number of ways to avoid the accursed word. Here are just a few examples.
1. Yes
It’s very common in Mexico that yes means no….
Cultural Detective Blog 
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I am from Mexico and I was not raised the way you are describing people in Mexico. Most people I know are comfortable saying “no” and even when we don’t want to hurt people’s feelings, we would leave the door open only if there was a chance. Otherwise, it’s better to simply close with a clear “no. “ Just another perspective and experience within the same context.
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Thank you, Monica. Yes, México is a large country with lots of regional and ethnic differences as well as socio-economic ones. This is a repost, not my writing, but sure resonates with my 11+ years here. Where are you?
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