10 American Dating Rules That Europeans Just Don’t Understand
10 American Dating Rules That Europeans Just Don’t Understand
Between the strong presence of religion and conservative views, American dating rules differ quite a bit from European dating rules. But religion and political views aren’t the only things that cause these differences. Find out what these differences are and what’s causing them in this list.
1. Having to Ask Someone to Be Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend
In America, formalizing a relationship often involves explicitly asking someone to be your girlfriend or boyfriend, a concept that can seem strange to Europeans. Across the Atlantic, relationships tend to evolve into exclusivity naturally, without the need for a specific conversation or question. This difference highlights a cultural approach to relationships where Americans are more direct in defining their status, whereas Europeans might allow the relationship to progress organically.
2. Not Being Allowed to French Kiss in High School
The idea that French kissing is off-limits in American high schools can baffle Europeans, where such expressions of affection among teenagers are generally more accepted. This reflects broader American attitudes towards teenage intimacy and the desire to set boundaries, contrasting with a more relaxed European perspective on adolescent relationships and expressions of love.
3. No Sex Before Marriage
The concept of abstaining from sex before marriage, still prevalent in certain American circles, is often puzzling to Europeans. In many European cultures, sex is viewed as a natural part of a relationship’s progression, without the moral stipulations tied to marital status.
4. Dating Several People at Once
Americans’ practice of dating multiple people simultaneously until an exclusive relationship is established can seem odd to Europeans. In Europe, dating around is more about casually meeting people rather than engaging in multiple romantic relationships. This reflects a fundamental difference in how dating is perceived and conducted, with Americans being more pragmatic in exploring potential matches.
5. Exclusivity Isn’t Natural and Has to Be Asked
In America, becoming exclusive with someone is often not assumed and must be explicitly agreed upon, a concept foreign to many Europeans. In Europe, entering a romantic relationship typically implies exclusivity from the start, without the need for a clarifying conversation. This highlights cultural differences in expectations and communication regarding romantic relationships.
6. Can’t Be Left at Home With Opposite Sex Without a Third Party
The American rule against being alone at home with a member of the opposite sex without supervision can seem overly cautious to Europeans. This reflects a more conservative approach to teen interaction in America, emphasizing the prevention of intimate encounters, whereas Europeans may trust in the responsibility and judgment of the individuals involved.
7. Can’t Close Doors or Go to Bedroom With Opposite Sex
Americans’ concern with teenagers closing doors or going to bedrooms with the opposite sex, even for platonic reasons like listening to music, can seem excessive to Europeans. This preoccupation with monitoring teen interactions reveals a cultural emphasis on preventing intimate activities, contrasting with a more relaxed European attitude that not all interactions lead to intimacy. Europeans also tend to be more open about protecting yourself and raise awareness about this topic making teenagers more knowledgeable and therefore more responsible.
8. “Plenty of Fish in the Sea”
The American saying “plenty of fish in the sea” and the mentality of keeping options open can be perplexing to Europeans, who may focus more on cultivating the relationship at hand rather than considering alternatives. This difference illustrates a cultural approach to dating and relationships where Americans might be more inclined to look around, whereas Europeans tend to commit more fully to their current partner.
9. Style on Dates
The casual attire Americans might wear on dates can surprise Europeans, who tend to dress more formally for such occasions. This reflects differing cultural norms around dating and appearance, with Europeans placing more emphasis on presenting themselves in a polished manner, contrasting with a more relaxed American approach.
10. Proposal Timing
In America, the timing of a marriage proposal can carry significant weight, with long dating periods sometimes seen as hesitation. Conversely, Europeans may not perceive a lengthy courtship before engagement as an issue, valuing relationship development over societal expectations.
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.