ADVICE
No-Nonsense International Dating Advice for Hopeful Singles
Oksana Zub on Unsplash
Sometimes the people who are thousands of miles away from you can make you feel better than those right beside you — proof that love transcends distance.
However, having romantic relations with people from other countries feels as if you’re walking with a blindfold on. Relationships are unpredictable enough; interracial romance is even more thrilling albeit challenging.
But thanks to international dating sites and other modern dating platforms, time zones, geographical borders, and cultural differences are no longer the unconquerable barriers they previously were. These obstacles have become more easily manageable.
Still, international dating has its challenges. Communication problems remain persistent and travel plans can become erratic.
How can international singles navigate their unpredictable dating pools? Here are some helpful international dating advice to get you on the right foot:
1. Don’t deny potential issues.
International relationships have several inescapable challenges. Among them is culture shock. You’ll need a lot of time to adapt to unfamiliar things — from foreign dating norms to new languages.
For example, you’ve moved to another country to be with your foreign partner. You find yourself unable to snap out of your homesickness, which has caused some tension with your lover. Don’t allow this to fester until you reach the point of no return.
Denying possible setbacks will only make international dating difficult. It’s one thing to be afraid of problems, but they become an issue if you don’t confront them. Acknowledge and work them out while they’re still manageable.
2. Set reasonable expectations.
Don’t confine yourself to strict expectations. This will only make international dating a miserable experience because you feel a heavy weight burdening you.
If you’re going to set expectations, make sure they’re realistic. Will this be difficult? Yes. However, it’s necessary. You don’t want to date around aimlessly. Reasonable expectations will save you a lot of potential disappointment, frustrations, and heartbreak.
3. Unlearn stereotypical and preconceived notions.
Foreign matches aren’t prizes you win from games. Nor are they meant to satisfy your aesthetics. Don’t reduce them to just their ethnicities. There’s a difference between that and appreciating their heritage.
If you have notions and stereotypes about foreign people, now’s the time to let go of them. Be open-minded and brace yourself for surprises. There’s so much more to people than just the stereotypes you know about them.
Yianni Mathioudakis on Unsplash
4. Don’t be dependent on technology.
Technology has made international dating easier, yes. They’ve allowed long-distance and international couples to have some semblance of intimacy. However, it isn’t the only communication medium you can use.
Give old-school tactics like letter-writing, gift baskets, and telegrams a try! Not only do these give you some variety, but they’re also more romantic compared to video calls and instant chats.
5. Ask for verification.
Of all the international dating advice listed in this entry, this is one tip people don’t often share.
When exploring modern dating platforms, you can’t always guarantee that your match is a real person or a catfisher out for money. Avoid falling for scams by requesting verification from a match.
Try asking them to have a video chat if you want a quick confirmation. If not, you can look up their social media profiles for more details.
Don’t be discouraged by the challenges of international dating. They may be overwhelming at times, but they shouldn’t be enough to scare you away from giving it a try. If you can’t find the ideal partner in your backyard, your true love may just be waiting for you on the other side of the world.
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