cariocas have a fascinatingly loose and adaptive attitude towards arrangements and meetings, which reflects a deep-seated desire for freedom and liberty - they are determined to keep their options open through spontaneity, finding monotony somewhat rigid and oppressive.

they are reluctant to make plans far in advance, if they make plans at all - the idea of setting a date for a meeting a week in advance is quite rare, and it is much more common for them to say, 'vamos nos encontrar' (let's meet up soon), 'vamos marcar uma coisa' (let's meet sometime), 'vamos sair um dia desses' (let's go out one of these days), or 'depois a gente se fala' (we'll be in touch), statements which could seem like a cold rebuff in other cultures.

meetings that are arranged have an expansive flexibility or vagueness - at some point in the afternoon, next week, 'around' or 'soon' are selected in place of an exact minute, hour, and place.