Tips
on
Dating Other
Cultures
Get rid of those
preconceived notions about other
cultures and come to the dinner table with only one thing in mind, to
get to know the one you are sitting across from. Make small talk.
Admire something about them. It maybe the color of what they have on.
This is a great time to talk about education. Don’t forget to
ask
the “tell me about your country.”
Be prepared to
share about your life, where you are
from. There is probably more to explore in a cross cultural
relationship than others, particularly if you have never been to the
country your date is from. Don’t just be a casual listener,
be an
active listener. As they tell the story, repeat parts back to them.
This is a great opportunity to learn a few words in your
date’s
native tongue.
Congratulations!
You have gotten off to a great start.
If you last long enough to meet family, remember some cultures serve
refreshments and it would be an insult not to receive their
hospitality. It may not always be what you are accustomed to. Politely,
ask what it is you are about to eat or drink. Let it touch your lips
even if you can’t stomach whatever it is. If they are serving
an
unfamiliar dessert, ask them to give you a smaller piece. Your date may
even be watching how you handle family meetings.
It is important not
to use stereotype names, or words,
no matter how at ease your date maybe, or make you feel. Admit that you
know nothing about the culture so if you do or say something that is
inappropriate, ask them to forgive you. Each of you should respect each
others culture. If you are an American, chances are, other cultures
have a preconceived notion about who they think you are. Erase that
thought from your mind.
Give each person
the benefit of the doubt. Allow
yourself the opportunity to get to know each other, rather than assume
from what you have heard, that you can speak on one’s
cultural
identity. You never know how far this relationship will go, so be
yourself, as long as it does not offend the other party. Accept the
other person for who they are. Enjoy the qualities you like about each
other, rather than focusing on the culture.
"Do you find
yourself in a life challenge or trial -
not sure which way to turn?" www.allaboutlifechallenges.org
From Other
Cultures to Dating Articles
|
Available
Resources
First
Comes Love, Then What?: Challenging Your Assumptions on Dating, Love
and Commitment
DNA
of Relationships: Discover How You Are Designed For Satisfying
Relationships
Love
Talk Starters: 275 Questions to Get Your Conversations Going
101
Relationship Secrets to Boost Your Love Life
|
