Here are some tips to help you find love in Belgium, from our free dating site to tips for socialising in in the Belgian culture. Dating across cultures Dating someone from a foreign country can be an exciting experience, but it's important to keep in mind that a relationship with a person from another culture will always have its downside. Different cultures around the world have a different appreciation of the qualities that make someone a desirable mate. What might be considered romantic, attractive or polite in one culture, might not be well received in another.
Tips for socialising with Belgians
The Belgians are gentle and reserved in nature. It is acceptable for a foreign woman to invite a Belgian man to dinner, and pay the bill. Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn or use toothpicks in public places. Your feet should never be put on chairs or tables. Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal, not in your lap.
When you are invited somewhere, you should accept any drink offered by the host. Don`t ask for a drink when you are not offered one. Do not be surprised if husbands and wives are not seated together at dinner, this is normal for the Belgians. (Belgians are thrifty and do not appreciate waste, so finish all the food on your plate.)
In business meetings, gifts are not to be exchanged. However, when you are invited to someone`s home, alwaysbring flowers to the hostess and perhaps some candy for the children, if any. By no means give chrysanthemums, they symbolize death.
If you are dating a Belgian, avoid discussing personal matters, or at least at avoid them at the beginning of your acquaintance.
In Belgium, men are expected to rise when a woman enters the room. They also stand on public transportation until women are seated. This is a sign of politeness and respect. Do not be surprised to get a "judging look" by people in Belgium; they tend to be conservative and are very keen on good manners in public places.
Men and women usually marry in their teens and twenties, and begin their families early. This is why it is possibleto find single men and women in their thirties or forties, as they married young and are now divorced.
Most families have between two and four children.
Married couples often work side-by-side in either business or farming. Instead of divorcing, couples who are in business together may remain legally married in order to protect the business, while maintaining separate households with new partners.
Is it possible to live happily-ever-after with a Belgian? Of course! But the Belgians do tend to value good manners; so if yours are not up to Belgian standards try changing them to win their hearts.
Do you have any stories about dating Belgians or helpful tips you want to share? Post them on the Expatica Community!
Bron:
politics.be