Dating Colombian Women and Dealing With Cultural Differences
Dating Colombian women has its challenges especially when you’re a foreigner.
One of which is having to deal with cross-cultural conflicts: When two people from different cultural backgrounds come together, there are bound to be misunderstandings due to differences in language, religion, traditions, and norms.
Oftentimes, a lack of awareness and not knowing how to deal with these cultural differences can cause break-ups between couples.
To give you an example: Colombians and their sense of time. Punctuality is not considered a norm by most Colombians; they’re often late from their appointments and dates which can be frustrating to deal with. If you are not accustomed to or aware of this practice, you might feel confused and offended.
So what should you do? Well first, do not jump to conclusions or make judgments. Secondly, the best thing you can do is clear the air and let the person explain. Lastly, try to express your opinion on the matter and compromise.
Once you understand that it’s due to their culture, the easier it is for you to accept and worry a little less about it.
Aside from their concept of time, we’ve identified other potential problems you might face when dating a Colombian woman. Continue reading the article below and broaden your knowledge about cultural differences with these women and learn ways on how to deal with them.
The Joys and Challenges of Dating a Colombian Woman
Before starting, it is important to note that most of these are mere generalizations. You can either consider the following as positive or negative experiences and characteristics of a Colombian woman. Either way, you’re bound to encounter, endure, or face at least one of these cultural challenges.
- Language Difference: Learning to Speak Spanish
Only a few people from this country can speak and understand English which makes communication the number one problem faced by foreigners dating in Colombia. Learning to speak a little Spanish is recommended to avoid miscommunications with these women.
You don’t have to be fluent in it, just enough to be conversational. In addition, knowing how to speak their local language increases your chances of finding the perfect partner since you won’t be limited to only girls who speak English.
2. Jealousy and Dealing With Their Personalities
One personality trait that makes these women hard to deal with is their jealous nature. Cheating is a common occurrence in Colombia; due to this, some of the women here become too suspicious of their partners.
Don’t be surprised if she asks you to hand her your phone for a check-up. She just wants to make sure you’re being faithful.
A way to successfully deal with a jealous Latina is to constantly communicate and assure her of your relationship’s security. Try to avoid behaviors that may make her suspicious. Show and tell her that you’re serious with her; make her feel she’s the only girl occupying your heart.
3. Getting Comfortable with Public Displays of Affection
Affection is important to them and PDAs are compulsory. If you don’t want your partner to get cranky, then be prepared to hold hands, give cheeky kisses, and cuddles in public; there’s no compromise on this one.
Colombians are arguably one of the most romantic people in this world: they love being in love and celebrating love. So don’t be surprised that PDAs are important to them, it’s one way of telling everybody that you’re happily in a relationship.
4. Eating Colombian Cuisine
If you’re not open-minded to trying her food, then it might be difficult to date these women. You’re bound to find yourself being taken to a place that only serves Colombian food, so you might as well try it.
It’s worth mentioning that these people are very proud and protective of their cuisines, so when someone offers you a plate you should accept it and at least taste it. There are tons of delicious and mouth-watering Colombian food out there, you’ll surely find something you’ll love.
5. Learning How to Dance the Salsa
Dancing is a huge part of their culture. It’s rare to meet women here who do not like to dance. To add, the country itself is home to the salsa capital of the world, Cali Colombia.
So you really cannot get away without learning to dance.
The best course of action to take is enrolling in a dancing class, most preferably salsa. Busting a few moves on the dance floor will give you additional attractive points.
Hence, consider the class as an investment for a successful dating experience with Colombian women.
6. Meeting Her Huge Colombian Family
Family is important to these women, and they usually have big ones. Her extended family is every bit as important as her immediate family.
Don’t be surprised to get introduced to numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, abuelitas, and abuelitos; there’s a fair lot of them. Everyone looks out for each other and is there when you need them. When you marry a Colombian woman, you also marry her family; it’s a package deal.
7. Religious Beliefs
Over seventy percent of the total population in Colombia are Catholics and follow the religion’s teaching. If you have a different religion from hers, you might face problems such as whether to have a church wedding, attending masses or which religion to raise your kids. But overall, the difference in religion is not a big issue as long as you both respect each other’s beliefs and opinions.
You may consider some of the above as challenges when dating women in Colombia; but, these are minuscule compared to the many benefits and joys she’ll bring to your life.
In other words, don’t let cultural differences stop you from marrying someone from Colombia. Push through it; there are many successful international couples who’ve survived, you can too.
Importance of Cultural Understanding
We belong in an era where international dating exists and cross-cultural relationships are increasing in numbers. Due to this fact, it’s important to educate ourselves on cultural differences around the world.
Learning these differences helps us maintain good relationships with people from different countries; this also applies to foreigners dating Colombian women.
The more you learn about your cultural differences with Colombian women, the better you understand them and their behaviors.
By doing your homework and learning as much as you can about the country, its people, language, traditions, and norms, you can prevent future miscommunication and avoid culture clashes that ultimately lead to the success of your relationship.
