Dating a foreigner may have seemed like a weird thing, but with the world becoming one huge global village, there are bound to be instances when you get attracted to someone different from you. Different cultures, diversities, places, work, and many other reasons can be catalysts in developing feelings for someone not of your nationality. Dating (even normally) has its challenges; dating a foreigner has double those.
When you are in a relationship with a foreigner, there are a few things you should consider. Dating someone internationally could mean you have to travel. You would need to get your passport, paperwork, visas, and insurance in order. To do this, contact IAS Services so you do not miss out on a beautiful relationship just because you forgot to apply for a visa or didn’t renew your passport. It would help to consider the financial implications of dating a foreigner since it would also mean spending money on airline tickets.
Let us look at what you should expect when dating a foreigner. Always remember, patience and understanding are the keys to any successful relationship.
1. New Culture:
Most countries have several different cultures, even within their borders. Your foreign partner will possibly come from a different cultural background. When you’re dating a foreigner, you should be open to experiencing new cultures and traditions. Instead of opposing all differences, you should try to find similarities and adapt to new ways of doing things.
Cultural differences are real. Sometimes even couples from the same culture may have trouble adjusting to each other. To avoid friction in your relationship, talk about your interests, childhood, what family gatherings look like, and so on. It would be best if you also asked about the types of food they like. Cultural insights stem from values, so you should pay close attention when your partner tries to explain something to you. It may be important to them, and you would not want to come off as dismissive.
2. Language Barrier:
If your partner comes from a country where English is not the first language, you may find a few difficulties. If your partner knows your language (English), you could try to learn about their language. When learning a new language, you can start with simple words and phrases. Things like thank you, you’re welcome, good morning, and so on are also fantastic ice breakers when you meet people from your partner’s country.
The willingness to learn a new language for the sake of conversing with your partner also shows the level of commitment you put in the relationship. Instead of allowing the language to become a barrier to your relationship, you should embrace it and learn how to speak, read, and write it.
3. Travel Issues:
Long-distance relationships can be challenging. You both need to put in more energy and effort in making time, prioritising, and arranging your schedules. If you date a foreigner, travel will become a part of your life. You would be taking more holidays from work, and travelling back and forth to meet each other’s families and friends. When you know there will be a fair bit of travelling involved, you should check your visa status, complete the application, and plan your travel dates.
If you do your research well and plan your travel, you could also get discounted or low-cost flight tickets. Many couples plan their vacations and holidays three to four months prior to travel to put in leave applications at work and get low-cost flights tickets.
4. Food:
International dating can be excellent when you get a chance to experience new foods that you’ve never tasted before. In many cultures, food plays a crucial role in bringing families together. For an outsider to appreciate the food means a great deal to many people. While you may not approve of all the flavours and tastes, it is a good idea to sample a little of each (unless you have dietary or religious restrictions).
Since food tasting goes both ways, you could also carry something specific to your culture when meeting your partner’s friends or family members. Doing this shows that you understand differences in food and culture, but you are willing to accept these differences and contribute to eating and drinking graciously.
5. Celebrating New Holidays and Festivals:
When dating a foreigner, you should always remember that you are now part of a new culture and country. There will be many times when you would have to celebrate festivals you’ve never heard of, and learn about new customs and traditions. If you and your partner are of different religious backgrounds, these holidays and festivals are a great way to understand new customs.
Many holidays and festivals have religious origins. You would need to become tolerant, and understand that some beliefs may not be shared. If this is a hard line for you, you may want to have a candid conversation with your partner, before you embrace the traditions. While learning about a new religion, festival, or holiday does not mean you forget your own, it simply means you get to celebrate something more with the person you love.
6. New Things To Talk About:
What many couples don’t realize is that being from different countries is a bonus to the relationship. You and your partner will always have some new experience to share and talk about. Being raised in different countries, cultural backgrounds, and getting different styles of education and world experiences will enhance your relationship.
Dating a foreigner means you will always have access to a new way of living. When you travel to your partner’s home country, you would get to experience everything like a local instead of a tourist. There are always small differences that make a world of difference. You just need to enjoy them and continue building a strong relationship.
Dating a foreigner need not be stressful if you remember that they are also human. You both will make mistakes with each other’s cultures, traditions, language, food, and more. You should be understanding of each other, and learn together.