An expat living in Melbourne for the past four years has shared a list of Aussie social interactions that initially baffled him – but has now come to wholeheartedly embrace.

‘These are the seven things I didn’t understand about Australians until I became friends with them,’ Carlos Gómez explained in his Instagram

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The Latin American man, who moved to Victoria to study and now works as an engineer, listed seven observations about how Aussies interact – and how he’s come to appreciate them.

Top of the list was the way Australians use sarcasm as a sign of affection.

‘If an Aussie roasts you, congratulations! You’ve been accepted,’ Carlos explained.

He said that he ‘used to think people were being rude’ when Aussies spoke to him sarcastically but eventually came to realise that there’s subtle affection in it.

‘Now I know it’s their love language,’ he added.

A related observation was the way Australians speak with ‘brutal honesty – but respectfully’.

‘They’ll tell you the truth straight to your face, but somehow without making you feel bad,’ Carlos said. ‘That balance is elite.’

Expat Carlos Gómez shared an Instagram post detailing ‘seven things I didn’t understand about Australians until I became friends with them’

Another aspect that took Carlos some time to adjust to was the passion Australians feel for their footy teams, regardless of the code.

‘Footy loyalty is on another level,’ he wrote on Instagram. ‘I thought it was ‘just a sport’ until I heard an Aussie explain why their team is the greatest… with stats, passion, family history and full pride. Footy isn’t a game, it’s identity.’

The next point Carlos made was a poignant one about how he noticed that ‘everyone’s equal here’.

‘Your job, your status, your background – none of that matters. You’re just another mate at the table,’ he reflected.

The expat was also struck by how Aussies live for their downtime.

‘Weekends are sacred,’ he wrote. ‘When Friday hits, they don’t just relax… they vanish. Into beaches, hikes, campsites, anything outdoors.’

And on a related note, Carlos was struck by how many Aussies plan their holidays well in advance.

‘Somehow every Aussie already knows what they’re doing next Easter, next Christmas and next summer. And yes, winters are to go to the northern hemisphere,’ he said.

The Latin American engineer provided a list of social observations about Aussie interactions – including our penchant for sarcasm and brutal – but respectful – honesty

Carlos’ Instagram

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saw loads of locals weigh in on his observations about Australian social culture – with many agreeing that he ‘nailed it’

Carlos Gómez: Seven things I didn’t understand about Australians

1. Sarcasm = affection

2. Brutal honesty (but respectfully)

3. Footy loyalty is on another level

4. Everyone’s equal here

5. Weekends are sacred

6. Planning holidays a year in advance

7. Aussies genuinely trust other people

Carlos’ final observation shared to his

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account was about the level of trust he’d noticed – highlighted by Aussies’ ability to leave a bag or shoes unattended in a public place.

‘At first I thought, ‘Aren’t you scared someone will take it?’… but no. Trust is the default here, not the exception.’

He concluded: ‘These are things I only understood after almost four years here. Once you get close to Aussies, you see how unique the culture is.’

The viral

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was met with hundreds of replies, including from many Aussies who appreciated Carlos’ insights about Australian culture and society.

The first two points – our penchant for sarcasm and brutal honesty in interactions – resonated with many.

‘Good observations. Sarcasm is definitely a sign of affection, as is brutal honesty,’ replied one person.

‘I love our sarcasm!’ an Australian woman wrote, before giving a brilliant example: ‘Like, you’re with your bestie and say to them, ‘Hey look! There goes your mate!’. You can guarantee that person is definitely NOT their mate.’

Many Australians who have lived or travelled overseas noted that they realised they had to ‘hold back’ with their innate sarcasm and brutal honesty abroad, where it often isn’t understood.

Carlos was surprised at the way Australians often left their belongings like shoes or a bag unattended in a public place like the beach, noting that ‘trust’ was integral to the culture

Carlos’ point about the deep sense of identity Aussies have with their footy clubs also resonated. One man elaborated further on this, explaining that it’s not about which team you support, but the story behind why you follow them that connects you intrinsically to the team.

Perhaps the most discussed topic was Carlos’ reflection on how Australians treat each other as equals, regardless of status.

‘I have all kinds of friends. Whether they are cleaners or millionaires, as long as you respect me, I don’t care what your occupation is,’ read one reply.

‘My family includes doctors, nuns, teachers, brickies – yet all feel the same around the table at Christmas or BBQs,’ said one .

Several people laughed at the point about Aussies’ passion for organising their holidays early, admitting they already had their next break planned.

But one person suggested a logical explanation. ‘Planning holidays a year in advance is only because we’re far away from the places we want to go.’

Carlos and his partner relocated to Australia four years ago

The final point around trust sparked lively discussion.

While some said this isn’t universal across all places in Australia, many agreed it’s a point of pride in the culture.

‘I especially agree with your statement that ‘trust is the default, not the exception’. This one made me particularly proud to be Australian. Thank you.’

‘Wholeheartedly agree, trust is huge here,’ replied another. ‘That’s why anything that breaks that sacred bond in Australia absolutely rocks us to the core.’

Many replies congratulated Carlos on capturing the essence of the Australian experience.

‘Well done mate! You’re spot on. Welcome to the club – you’re an adopted Aussie now,’ one said.

‘Spot on. I lived there for 14 years. I miss it like crazy because of all these things you listed. Melbourne has my heart, it’s my home and my family (best mates) live there,’ another shared.

‘Thanks for seeing all the good in our culture and way of life,’ one shared.

‘Thank you for reminding me why I’m proud to be a born and bred Australian,’ another added.

Meanwhile, one summed it up: ‘When they say we don’t have culture, there it is! It’s our way of life, our attitude, our interactions. Thank you for acknowledging it.’