Cultural Differences When Dating

Travelling also means having the chance to discover new and different cultures, having different points of view that are determined by a country's history and background. Even our tiniest everyday habits can be perceived in a totally different way from someone who comes from a different country. Have you ever thought about how dating could be massively different? All those 'non-written' rules that we live by in our love life could me misunderstood or taken as an insult in other countries... better watch out!

Dating All Over The World

• Japan
• Italy
• Colombia
• Thailand
• China
• Israel
• Philippines

Japan

Couples-to-be: The male will normally pick up the tab automatically. When the 'date' doesn't pick up the tab (let's say the 'guy'), the female will assume that she is considered not as a person of interest (for a serious long-term relationship). Watching a movie (at the theater), going to the amusement parks, and going to the aquarium are common dating spots.

Italy

In Italy there's not really a specific rule when it comes to paying the bill, it's either splitting or someone will pick up the tab (usually the man). Dating activities: coffee dates, movies, dinners (more formal/not first stages of dating), going out for an 'aperitivo' (typical Italian catching up/talking moment over a drink, before dinner; most popular first date activity). Valentine's Day is not a huge event in Italy, mostly celebrated amongst very young couples with the usual flowers, chocolates and 'tacky' gadgets.

Colombia

Colombian's don't really celebrate Valentine's day. We have an equivalent day which is celebrated on September 12th and its called Love and Friendship Day, however we do have a very strong influene of the American traditions, so some people go out for date nights or special celebrations. Usually on the first dates, men pay for the bill and specially on San Valentines dates, where usually they treat his couple, but that could change depending on each couples dinamic. Still a very important marketing event, where companies and brands use the occasion to promote their products or services.

Thailand

Couples-to-be: guy will always treat the girl for dinner and all activities during the date. For younger couple: girl most likely to give chocolate to the guy and guy will give flower to the girl on Valentine's day.

China

Thailand has countless unique traditions, but its most enchanting ritual is 'The Festival of Lights', also known as, the Yee Peng festival. During this magical event, thousands of lanterns are lit and released into the air. For the Thai, raising the lantern symbolises letting go of all your worries and anticipating a good start for the new year. When the lantern is released, you have to make a wish. The longer the lantern stays lit, the more luck it brings.

Israel

Commonly, in first dates the guy pays as a way of showing his interest and affection towards the girl. This is not set in stone, and is not belittelling the woman's value - but more like cultural means of affection and showing that the guy is happy to give and provide. Later on (date 3+) they might also share the bill. Typically dates are done in a bar or coffee place, these days also in parks. Since Covid started, singles like to go together on a group trip/hike in order to meet others, though dating apps are also very common. We don't really put emphasis on "Valentine's", but on the Jewish love day which is called "Tu Be'av". Couples who established their relationship put empahsis on meeting each other's friends in a group enviroment - for a togetherness feeling.

Philippines

Couples-to-be: if a man wants to take a woman out on a date, and the woman is still living at her parents' home, it is seen as respectful (and scores extra brownie points) for the man to come to her home to pick her up, and introduce himself to the family at the door before taking her out on the date. Since the Philippines is extremely Catholic / traditionalist, dating 'in secret' is often very frowned upon, especially for young women. More context: In the philippines, there is an intense pressure for women to follow a set of milestones at very particular times in your life, and this very much influences dating- dating is frowned upon for young women, and celebrated when they are at the 'right age for it'. At 20-25 the common rhetoric for young women is: 'don't date around, focus on your studies/work'. When a woman reaches her mid 20's, there is an almost immediate switch to women being asked, often by members of the family, 'when they're going to get married' or 'when they expect to have a grandchild'. 28 is considered somewhat late (especially for women) to get married.

Although this is not the most convenient time for travel, we still can take the chance to be curious and to learn and educate ourselves about various cultures around the globe.

And if you're already thinking of where you would like to visit once you're ready to travel again, compare and check our current flight deals on BudgetAir.

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