In 1964, a song was written for the World’s Fair in New York City. The title was, “It’s a Small World.” Soon it became a Disney theme song for a section of its theme park of the same name.In that section are introductions to various places and cultures from all over the world.
The theme is appropriate, because love today crosses borders and continents, as the Internet, international travel, and people’s quest to connect with others around the globe grows.
Why International Dating?
Why indeed. Whether you are relocating to another part of the world, whether you are simply traveling for pleasure, or whether you are on a journey to find a foreign dating partner online, you are in for a grand experience if you use the strategies and tips provided here.
So let’s dive into the world of international dating.
Do Some Initial Research
It’s important to understand the cultural differences between normal dating behavior in your country with what is considered appropriate dating behavior in another culture.
In your culture, dating may be a more casual affair. Public displays of affection may be totally appropriate and acceptable. In many other cultures, this may not be the case. Displays of affection may be private matters. Public dating is much more formal. You need to have a basic understanding before you begin to communicate with a potential partner online.
Speaking of Communication
It doesn’t matter if you are dating someone locally or on another continent, good communication is the key to establishing any type of relationship. The special caveat with international dating is there may be language barriers that make it more difficult. And there are nuances in both of your languages that may not be understood or received well.
You will want to be clear in your own mind what you want to say. And you may have to say something in a few different ways to make sure you are understood. The best international dating apps will have automatic translation technology and allow you to say things in more than one way.
It would also be a good idea to learn a few key phrases in your date’s language to show that you are committed to getting to know them.
Managing Those Time Zones
When it’s midnight your time, it may be early morning where they are. If you want to send some romantic messages, you’ll need to time them correctly. For example, if you want to send a good morning greeting, and they are 8 hours ahead of you, you’ll send it at about 11:00 pm.
If you’re on a good app, there will be several ways to communicate, including video calls. These can be critical to keep a blossoming romance fresh and new. So, if there is that 8-hour time difference, the two of you can schedule them when both of you will be awake – perhaps morning for you when it is afternoon for them, or late afternoon for you and later at night for them. Not only can you talk, with voice-activated translation, but you can watch a movie that has captions for one of your languages. And consider this – if you both like the same kind of music, you might be able to find an online concert to share.
Are There Challenges? Of Course
Being apart and in a relationship is never easy. And while online communication is valuable, it’s just not the same as being together in person.
The solution? You will need to plan regular times to be together, even if those may be farther apart than either of you would like. Of course, if you are relocating or often in your partner’s country on business, this is not an issue. If not, though, you need to be mindful of certain things:
- Budget can be an issue. You’ll both have to give up some luxuries and “tighten your belts” so that you can meet up as often as possible. But you can motivate each other, maybe even have a contest to see who can save the most.
- There should have been communication early on about what type of relationship each of you wants. If you are looking for a serious long-term relationship, how will that happen? Will they move to your country or you to theirs? Knowing all of the legal requirements of both countries in advance, will make this process smoother and avoid troubles.
So Much to Learn and Enjoy!
International dating is incredibly exciting. Partners get to learn everything about a culture from “the horse’s mouth” so to speak – cultural mores, traditions, and even perspectives on religion, politics, and such.
And when you visit your partner’s country, you will see it through their eyes, not that of a tourist.
Even if your international dating does not at first “work” for you, don’t give up. If you remain committed, take the actions that are recommended here, you have the potential to date and partner up with an amazing person.
That’s a Wrap
International dating may have its challenges, but technology has eased those a great deal. It can be a wonderful adventure, following the recommendations provided here, and, could just lead to the ideal relationship you have been looking for.
