Assimilating to a culture’s ways is a very important part of feeling like you fit in and feeling “at home.” Embrace their traditions and etiquette to get a feel for their way of life and to truly experience the country. However, if something doesn’t make sense to you, don’t do it! You still have your own mind. No culture is better than any other, and therefore their way of life doesn't necessarily have to be adopted. Take traffic rules, for example. If you see a pedestrian timidly crossing the street, you may wish to resist that Brazilian influence growing inside of you and let him or her pass. Never compromise safety or your happiness just to fit in. Going to Brazil on your own can, at least initially, be very daunting. To make the transition easier, find other expats to help pad the culture shock. They are going through the same thing, or have at one point or another. They can point you to all the wonderful "bits of home" they've cultivated. Brazil is huge and multicultural – you'll be able to find certain comforts (brand names, certain foods, etc.) if you know where to look. In addition to expat friends, you need native friends, too, to show you the ropes. They’ll know all the happening spots, the best places to get food, and show you a side of the country that expats aren’t able to. They'll be the ones that give you the most memorable stories, too. Don't know where to start? You can meet people hanging out at cafes, clubs, at futbol games, or through your students if you teach them your language. What's more, some families love taking in foreigners. Next time a friendly looking older woman smiles at you, initiate a conversation just by saying hello and asking her name. You may be a few minutes away from a home-cooked meal! Many expats take trips back home often, or at least take many opportunities to travel. The pollution may get to you if you're in a bigger city, so you’ll literally need some fresh air!  Listen to your body and mind – when are things starting to get to you? It’s then that you need to take a break from life – that way you can come back rejuvenated and ready to go. If Brazil does start getting to you, sleep on it. Don't write it off quite yet. Sometimes homesickness seems like it's staying forever, but it can be fought through. The rewards, stories, and memories will be virtually limitless if you stay!
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One-sentence summary -- Embrace what you approve of. Look for expat communities to be a part of. Make friends who are locals. Take a breather when you need.

Article: If possible, meet where you won't be recognized. You don't want your parents, your relatives, community leaders, or your parents' friends to see you while you're out with your boyfriend. Meet when your parents think you're somewhere else, you could pretend to have a club meeting, or to be hanging out with a friend. You might even sneak out of the house at night.  If you live in a city, you could meet almost anywhere: a big city park, a free museum, a scenic hill, or a little cafe in your favorite neighborhood. The same goes for the suburbs, although it might be harder to get around if you and your boyfriend don't have your own cars. If you live in a rural area, you might need to meet up outdoors. Don't hang out with your boyfriend in the park across the street from your house, or the local supermarket, or anywhere that your parents or their friends might run into you. When you go out with your boyfriend, your parents will probably want to know where you are. It may be best to bring a friend or two with you when you go out. That way, when they call you, you can just say "Oh, I'm with Amy," and then put Amy on the phone with them to verify that indeed, you are with her and not your boyfriend! This is a classic move, but you'll need to be very careful about your story to pull off. The basic idea: if you want to meet up with your boyfriend after hours or even stay over at his house, tell your parents that you are sleeping over at a friend's house. If your parents insist on meeting your friends, then you should use a good friend (who your parents have met) to corroborate your story.  Tell your friend about your plan. If possible if you are completely certain that you can trust your friend's parents have your friend's parents agree to pretend that you're sleeping over. It helps if you name a friend whose house you've slept over at many times before. If your parents are suspicious, they might call your friend's parents to check out your story. Consider whether this is likely to happen. If so, then you may not want to risk it. Understand the risks: if you bring your boyfriend into your parents' space, then you are giving them a huge opportunity to find out about him. Wait for a time when they aren't home, a whole weekend is even better.  If you sneak your boyfriend into your house while your parents are home, make sure that he has a secret way to enter and escape. Try to bring him in once your parents are asleep, and be extremely quiet so that they don't suspect anything. Keep the noise level down so you can listen for your parents voices or footsteps in case they're walking toward your room. Be prepared to hide him under the bed or in a closet at a moment's notice, or have him leave through the window if possible! Don't leave any evidence that your boyfriend was there. Your parents will get suspicious if they see a men's comb or a men's jacket. If he gives you a gift (a note, a photo, a bouquet of flowers) don't leave it out in the open!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Be careful about when and where you meet. Consider going out in groups. Say you're sleeping over at a friend's house. Be very careful about inviting your boyfriend over to your house.