Tips on Dating a Foreigner

[nhalyn]

Dating a foreigner is the best way to know about unity in international diversity.

It helps bring people together, keeps them informed of mutual cultures, and calls for an enriching emotional experience altogether. It also requires some caution. Here are some tips to help you stay politically correct, even with foreign romances.

1. Communication
It is essential, early in the relationship, to accept that communication between the two of you will be flawed. Owing to the cultural drawbacks and possible language barriers, it will be easy to misconstrue parts of the conversation. These might result in petty fights and disagreements over insignificant matters. You should be patient and try to be as clear as possible. Remember that since fluency in English is no way similar to speaking it as a native tongue, you cannot be insensitive to one’s speaking style. Make an attempt to learn your partner’s language. Not only will this impress her to no ends, but will also aid in making her feel more comfortable around you.

2. Cultural Differences and History
Owing to your different cultural backgrounds, there might be a lot of difference in opinions. One can be extremely racial in the face of cultural ignorance. Thus, learning about your partner’s cultural background can help put situations in perspective. Be sensitive to your partner’s cultural history and learn to appreciate its richness. Steer clear of racial stereotyping. It is neither desirable nor appropriate. Not only does it come across as unattractive, but it also makes you insensitive.

3. Racial Superiority
A relationship will thrive on the grounds of equality, even if it means being in a relationship with a foreigner. Braving about your country constantly and berating your partner’s, is going to ensure that this relationship does not live to see the light of day. Saying that your country is the best, to your fellow countrymen, will be taken as a fantastic display of nationalistic fervour, but might come off as racial alienation, to your foreign partner. Not only will this further enforce the cultural differences, but will make her feel out of place in the relationship.

4. Respect for Religion
When dating a foreigner, there are higher chances of meeting people who do not believe in the same religion as you. In this case, creating a sense of equality on religious grounds, will give your partner a sense of belonging. You should understand that even if religion means nothing to you, it might as well be the way of life for your partner. Learning about her religion will help broaden your perspective about the differences and help make her feel at home.

5. Compromise
Compromises are an essential part of any relationship, even in one with an expatriate partner. With such vast cultural differences, it is essential to keep a wider berth of understanding while handling the relationship. You need to adjust your behaviour to hers, to make sure that no one ends up offending the other in the long run. Be creative in your outlook and offer a lot of room for change. This will ensure a long and fruitful relationship.

Dating a foreigner is a constant ‘job’ where one needs to act with utmost consideration to be able to able to sustain a relationship for the long haul. By following the above -mentioned steps you will be able to avoid indiscretions in your relationship.

[Edwin]

In communication my friend who is married to a filipina was trying to learn some of the language. He had some saying that he was saying to all the filipino people. He thought it was some kind of greeting, but his wife said, "don't tell them that, that is insulting," so he didn't really know what he was saying, but his wife did, and it was not very nice! Religion is an interesting one. The majority of the people in the Philippines are Catholic. I think there are a couple of offshoots of the Catholic church also in the Philippines. I talked with one filipino fellow when I was in the Philippines that had been converted from the Catholic church to the Baptist church. He didn't even think Catholics were Christians. I think there are Christians within the Catholic church, but I also think that there are many in the Catholic church who are depending on the Father and the church to take them to heaven. It has to be a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and that is the only way we can be saved and make it to heaven.

[cheryz]

a good topic... it can help... thanks...

[Edwin]

nhalyn, you have some very good thoughts on this subject!

[angel]

additional for edwin tips:

Dating is a wonderful opportunity to possible finding a spouse for the duration of your life. The dating process can be quite complicated, but can also be very enjoyable if you are dating someone that you like being with. What happens when you desire to date a foreigner? A lot changes and many relationships like this have succeeded, but there are a few tips to dating a foreigner that should be understood.

You cannot go into the relationship thinking that your culture is right and every other culture is wrong. In the United States, people drive the car on the right side of the road, but that does not mean people in Thailand drive on the wrong side of the road, but rather the other side of the road. Understanding the fact that every culture is different will save quite a few arguments in the dating relationship with a person from another country. People don't like to have their culture offended and most of the time, they won't get along too good with someone trying to change their culture.

Read a few books about the culture of the person you are dating so you can get a better understanding of what they do and why they do it. For example, when Thai people get married, they usually do not show affection in public. If you are not from Thailand and you decide to marry a Thai girl, you must understand that it is not her culture to be affectionate towards you in public. If you don't know that, reading a book on Thai culture will help you understand that fact.

Understand that when you are dating a person from another country, their taste is going to be very different. Food, furniture, jewelry, taste in clothes, and many other issues may not match up with exactly what you like. Obviously, this creates balance, but if you buy something for your date and they don't like it, their culture may have a lot to do with that.

Dating someone from the same culture as yourself can be very familiar and you may have an easier time knowing what to expect from them. However, dating someone from a different culture may bring about many differences. The question to ask is if you are willing to go through a lot of relationship changes for the person of interest to you? That is a decision that you have to make.

[cheryz]

Love is blind! We all know this. That is why, we do not think twice before developing feelings towards an individual. Caste, creed, sex, religion and race are no matters of concern as love is universal. Inter-caste marriages are nothing new and homosexual affairs are commonly seen these days. With more people settling abroad or shifting to other countries, these days, you will also see people dating foreigners. It is not something weird but cute! If you are in love with a foreigner, here are few tips to deal with such a different type of love relationship.
Pick up a common language: As you are dating a foreigner, you might find it difficult to communicate with your partner. To make a clear and understandable conversation with your partner, pick a language that both of you understand clearly. Knowing each other becomes an easy task! English or some native language can work wonders for new couples.
Long distance can work: This is one important tip for people who are dating a foreigner, especially if you or your partner doesn't stay with you. Internet dating is one of the common ways to survive a relationship with a foreigner. If you are in love with a foreigner, try to fill in the mental distance. Physical distance will become a small barrier then.
Accept cultures: You might be a typical and reserved person because of your culture and social ambiance, but your partner can just be the opposite. Simply because different societies have their own set of norms and customs. Every country has its own culture and traditions. So, try to know your partner's culture and respect it. Also teach him/her about the culture you follow. This will help develop a better understanding with each other. So, instead of finding out flaws in your partner, try to be flexible in your approach and mind set. Think from the perspective of your partner too!
Respect each other: Being a racist will never help you survive the relationship. If you are dating a foreigner, never criticise each others' country and culture. Respect and treat each other equally. This can not only build a good impression on your partner but will also make him/her think positively about your nation. This is because you as a citizen represent your country.
Develop a taste: You love to eat your cuisine food but, it is time to become a little flexible with your tastes.Develop a taste towards the likings of your partner. If your partner loves Italian food, try once and see how it tastes. You will have a new topic to discuss with each other!

These are few tips that can help you if you are dating a foreign beauty or hunk. To have a better love relationship, follow these points.