Dating Customs Around The World
Author: Ron Zvagelsky

When most Americans think of dating, they think of dinner and a
movie. However, dating has changed drastically over the course
of history and varies from country to country as well.

In the early ages, there was no dating or courtship. Men
actually captured their wives! They would raid villages and
take the women they wanted for their own. A lot of our dating
traditions were born in the medieval times from the concept of
chivalry. This is where we got out notion that the male should
pay for dinner and that a male should hold the door open for a
lady. Women were actually given the right to propose marriage
in 1228!

Between 1830 and 1900, romantic love was considered important
to relationships. The rules for dating were strict and
steadfast. Men and women had cards with their names imprinted
on them which were left for each other in an elaborate
courtship ritual. It was commonplace for chaperones to
accompany couples on dates.

Today things have changed, but still there are special customs
depending on where you live.

In Australia, girls often ask boys out on dates and pay for
everything.

In European countries, teenagers often go out on group dates.

Dating is actually forbidden in Iran. Boys and girls are kept
separate until they are ready to be married and then their
parents do the introductions.

Dating is also very rare in Afghanistan, as most marriages are
arranged.

Japanese and Korean individuals usually do not begin dating
until they are in college.

In Brazil, group dates are not common at all. People tend to
date much longer before they get married.

In China, dating usually does not begin until an individual is
in their twenties. Chinese singles usually only date one or two
people before they get married. There are also still instances
of arranged marriages.

In most Asian countries it is customary for young people to
remain at home until they are married and often a newlywed
couple will live with one set of parents for awhile after they
are married.

In Kiev, women do not like to shake hands. They think that it
is not feminine. A woman will hold onto a man's arm when they
are out on a date instead of holding his hand.

Relationships and marriage are important in all cultures, but
the actual act of dating varies greatly depending on where you
live.


About The Author: Ron Zvagelsky has a degree in Business
Administration from the University of Southern California. He
graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2006. He is currently the
Chief Executive Officer of PlanJam – where you can find
http://www.planjam.com/romanticdate.html