Dating Someone From Another Country Seriously Raised My Standards For Love

Dating someone from another country is something everyone should experience it at least once during their life. It puts spice into dating someone new, especially if that person speaks another language. You get to learn all about another country’s customs and culture, all while being wined and dined by a person with a sexy accent. Who could ask for more? Here are 10 things I learned when dating someone from a different country:

1. Accents never get old. We all know that accents are sexy. It’s reaffirmed time and time again in movies, on TV, and just plain old life (are you listening, Hemsworth brothers?). I’ll admit it — an accent can be the difference between me being attracted to someone or not. The one thing I didn’t account for is that the accent NEVER gets old. You’d think that eventually, you’ll stop noticing it and that after awhile, they’ll stop sounding so damn charming every time they order their lunch… but you’re wrong.
2. Long-distance is way harder when they’re in another country. I’ve done long distance with an American, and I’ve done it with a foreigner, and when you’re in two separate countries it can seem extra daunting. The time difference can get to you, especially if they’re sleeping while you’re awake and vice versa. And don’t even get me started on all the money I’ve spent buying tickets to visit!
3. Different countries have different body standards. In America, we’re all used seeing to the stick thin, model body type on TV and in ads, so I was surprised to learn that various countries worship all kinds of body types. A quick Google search will show that some countries aspire for the curvier body, and others just simply don’t care as much. As a woman growing up in America, I found that totally refreshing.
4. They also treat women with different levels of respect. I’ve dated a few guys from other countries, and one thing I’ve always noticed is that they all have a different way of treating women. Some guys are complete gentlemen who respect and support women in ways that are just incredible. Others, well… let’s just say respect isn’t really a part of their vocabulary.
5. We have so much more to talk about. You’d think people who grew up in entirely different places in the world wouldn’t have much in common, but it’s the complete opposite. We have so much more to talk about BECAUSE of our differences. I’ve spent hours in conversation with a guy, fascinated by the littlest things that I wouldn’t even think twice about if it were a guy from America.
6. The language barrier isn’t an issue. Obviously, this depends on the country and the man’s level of English skills, but I’ve found that I don’t mind the language barrier. There are so many other ways to communicate besides language, and it can be a super fun challenge to find a way to connect in a new way that you normally wouldn’t.
7. Sex is way hotter when they can talk dirty in another language. This is something I didn’t think of when I first started dating someone from another country, but it’s completely true. There’s something about hearing another language can be so sexy and mysterious. If nothing else, date someone from another country to experience this.
8. American guys can be way less mature. Disclaimer: I know I’m generalizing here and what’s true for you might not be what’s true for me, but nonetheless, I can’t preach this enough. In my experience, I’ve found that American guys tend to mature a lot later than men from other countries. Maybe it’s just the millennial generation, but I’ve been able to have much deeper and more profound connections with men from other countries.
9. People from other countries have different relationship expectations. In France, even if you aren’t exclusive with someone, they’ll still refer to you as their girlfriend. In America, you usually have to have The Talk before calling someone your girl/boyfriend. Everyone who grows up in a different country will have different expectations when it comes to love and romance. Some might put a ring on it EARLY; others might need you to meet their mom before making any rash decisions. The bottom line is, don’t expect someone to have the same steps in a relationship as you.
10. It’s fun to learn another country’s traditions. Dating another person, especially long-term, means that you get to take part in a whole other set of traditions and customs. You learn about new holidays, new foods, and new celebrations. It’s incredibly entertaining, and it helps you get closer to your foreign beau.