International Dating | How to Reconcile Conflicting Cultures

In this day and age, international relationships are increasingly becoming rampant. Many bachelors have turned to matchmaking services and foreign dating sites to meet single women abroad. There is a sense of thrill and novelty in being with someone who has a different set of beliefs, culture, and value system.

A fusion of two cultures, traditions, and histories in a single relationship is a beautiful thing to grasp. There is a massive universe in one person already, but as a couple, you both morph into one single soul over time, but with two coexisting different cultures. This is a wonderful prospect if you disregard the other side of the spectrum. In reality, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies.

Like in all relationships, international dating needs effort and dedication in order for it to work and last. Compromises must be made and a mature understanding of each other is required.

When dating someone foreign, you have to understand that there are some things that may seem trivial to you, but colossal to them. Certain points of views will differ and opinions will clash. Be that as it may, do not let this discourage you from finding a foreign girlfriend. It is difficult, that is true, but it is also beautiful, majestic, and worthwhile. With that in mind, here are a couple of points you should note of when dating a foreign woman.

• Familiarize the line between being humorous and being insensitive.

There may be some things in her culture that you may find unnatural; hilarious, even. Be mindful that she may not share this sentiment. Remember, her culture is important to her and she grew up respecting it. Just because it’s alien to you, doesn’t mean it means nothing to her. If you treat it like a mere joke, she may find that offensive. It’s best to just not joke about it altogether. When in doubt, ask.

• Do not hesitate to ask.

Following up on a previous point, if there is something in her culture that is odd to you - just ask. Ask her what it’s about, what it means, how it came to be, the likes. She will even appreciate the gesture of you caring enough to know more.

• Read up

Do your own research. Modern technology has allowed us instant access to an endless amount of information. Learn more about her culture online so things will not seem so unfamiliar to you. If there is anything you wish to clarify, once again, ask. Communication is key here, much like any other relationship.

• Be self-aware

Do not forget the fact that you are a foreigner in her culture. It’s a culture that adopted you because of your union with her, especially if you get married to her. Be respectful towards it, and treat it like your own. You will not only earn her respect, but you will also earn the respect of her family.

These are just a couple of points, but if you take these pieces of advice to heart, you should be good to go. Being married to someone who has an entirely different culture from your own is an amazing thing, you just have to make it work to fully appreciate the beauty.

So go ahead and find a beautiful foreign woman. Meet her, date her, marry her, and learn more about her culture. Remember everything you’ve just read here, and you’ll soon realize the beauty of a union with foreign brides.