Unlike her father, who regularly referred to him as "Señor Presidente", she was less formal, choosing instead to address Castro as "Fidel". Merel often amicably slapped Castro on the shoulder, an approach he appreciated and one that helped build his trust in her.
While her father habitually referred to Fidel Castro as "Señor Presidente," Merel preferred a more informal approach, addressing him simply as "Fidel." She frequently gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder, a gesture that he found agreeable and one that contributed to building his trust in her.