In China, first impressions count and “it’s not uncommon for parents and grandparents to set their children up on blind dates with suitable matches they’ve found.” In Mexico, “you are not only dating the man/woman, but you are dating the family…” In Armenian culture, it’s important both sets of parents get along before the relationship gets serious. Yes, you do ask the father And not just for his blessing in marriage.
Even in cultures where family opinion may not take precedent, friend compatibility is important. In Mexico, “one common expectation is getting the father’s approval [for dating] since he is the head of the household.” Some naysayers will say this is because societies are patriarchal, but in reality, most cultures are simply family oriented.
How can a guy ever go wrong telling a girl she’s beautiful? Every country and culture will have its fair share of progressive or old-fashioned gentleman, but it doesn’t hurt to learn from and pay attention to why women find foreign men to be so attractive. Maybe they are unafraid of doing some of the things lacking in American men?
These are some of the ways teens date in other countries of the world. Slumber parties are common in Italy and Switzerland, where teens gather for parties at a home and sleep there when the party is over.
In Japan and Korea, most high school students don't date or go to parties, but spend their time studying instead.
Dating begins in college, when only boys do the asking and pay for the dates.
In Russia dates take place at dances or at clubs where teens eat or chat with friends.
In small towns, teens meet in the streets downtown or gather around a fountain. Teens are separated until they are of marrying age, then their families introduce them to each other and sometimes a courtship follows.
Dating is rare in Afghanistan because most marriages are arranged by parents, and schools are separate for boys and girls. In Spain teens join a , a club or a group of friends with the same interests, like cycling or hiking.
When not dancing, teens gather at local clubs to eat and talk. In Finland, as many as 30 teens may attend a movie together.
Family Matters In the US, our dating custom is to bring a girl home to meet the parents and friends only when the relationship becomes serious.
However, in other cultures, family approval is important from the get-go.
Couples often go to dinner parties, barbecues, or the beach. When of age, most boys and girls date in large groups, going out together to weekend dance parties.