Dating in Spain - How to Find Love in the 21st Century
There are many options when it comes to dating in Spain. Spain is a romantic hotspot. From cute dates, to long walks on the beach, to sexy nights at clubs or bars.
However, before you go on your next Spanish date, there are some things you should keep in mind.
The Spanish dating culture
Spanish people are very open and honest about their feelings. They also have a "live-and-let's-live" approach to dating. While this can be refreshing, it can also lead to a lot of confusion when it comes to establishing clear boundaries and expectations with a new partner. For example, it is not uncommon for Spanish men and women to flirt a lot in the early stages of a relationship, which can come across as over-eager or full-on in other countries. Since Spaniards place a high value on family, it is not uncommon to be introduced to the parents of your partner early in a relationship.
When it comes to dates, most expats will agree that the Spaniards are a very romantic people. They will probably make gestures like opening doors, grabbing their hands, or pulling out chairs to show affection for their date. It is also not uncommon for Spaniards to invite their date to hang out with friends to make sure they are well-accepted by their inner circle.
It is not uncommon for Spanish people to kiss and hug in public. In addition, Spanish people tend to hold eye contact while talking, which can be uncomfortable for many expats who are used to having their eyes wandering around the room or checking their phones during conversations.
The Spanish dating scene
Spain attracts single people from all over the world for a variety of reasons. Some move here to retire in the sun or give their families a fresh start, while others relocate for work.
The Spanish dating scene is quite different to what these expats are used to. The Spanish are not shy to show their affection and let you know what they think about you. Even in the early stages, it's not unusual for Spaniards call or text someone they really like. It can be intimidating for some but it's a sign that they are interested.
Another key difference is that the Spanish are quite chivalrous when it comes to dating. They'll open doors for you, pull out chairs and might even pick up the tab during a dinner date. In the country, gender equality is highly valued so it can be difficult to balance traditional chivalric gestures and modern values.
Be prepared to flirt https://www.freecamtokens.com if you use an online dating service to find your future partner. A recent study revealed that Spaniards were the most flirtatious people in the world. So don't be surprised if your potential bae starts sending you flirty texts in the first few weeks of dating.
The Spanish attitude to sexuality
Spanish people have a very passionate attitude towards love and affection. Consequently, it is not uncommon for them to show their affection with public displays of affection like holding hands or kissing in public. In a more reserved society, this may be seen as a bit desperate or full-on, but in Spain it is just how they express themselves.
The Spanish also tend to be more relaxed when it comes sexuality. While they may be more liberal than their European counterparts, it is still not uncommon for them to be less tolerant of premarital and teenage sex. This is largely due to the country's Catholic cultural heritage and the conservative view of men and women's roles in society.
In the early stages of dating, it's quite common for Spaniards invite their dates to go out with their friends. This is a way to get to know their inner circle and it can be a great way to break the ice and create a more comfortable environment.
It is important to remember, too, that Spanish men and Spanish women are more likely than other nationalities to initiate the dating process. It is not uncommon for them to call, text, and email a potential match several times in the initial stages of the relationship. This can be frustrating for some expats who prefer to meet their match at a fixed time but it is better to go with the flow and be patient.
The Spanish dating app scene
When it comes to finding love in the 21st century, many Spaniards have joined the online dating bandwagon. While online dating can be a great way to meet new people, you should consider a few things before diving in.
The age-old stereotype of Spanish men behaving in a macho way toward women (known as 'machismo') is slowly disappearing, with both young and older men becoming more respectful of women and showing gentlemanly behaviour towards them. It's also common for Spaniards to show their affection openly, with kisses, hand-holding, and hugs, even on the first date. This can be a bit intense for expats who are used to more reserved cultures, but is nothing to worry about.
It is common for both women and men to make the first move in Spain, which can be refreshing if you're used to having to chase potential dates. In the early stages, Spaniards can be quite assertive. They will call or text potential partners multiple times. While this can be off-putting for some, it is just another sign that they are genuinely interested in their potential match.
The online dating scene in Spain is saturated with options, but a few of the most popular include Tinder, Bumble, Badoo, and Happn. Interestingly, Bumble and Badoo have been found to be better for long-term relationships as they prioritize profile verification and offer more features than their competitors.