In the ’50s, it was considered ladylike for women to introduce their dates to their parents on the first date. Also, it was a good idea to bring enough money to cover the cost of your dinner.
With so much dating advice out there, it can be difficult to determine what is helpful and what is not. Here are some weird dating rules that you should avoid.
Japan
Japanese culture has evolved a lot to meet the modern world, but some traditions still persist. Generally speaking, dating and relationships are quite similar to Western standards, although there are a few quirks.
For example, verbally declaring love for a person is not common in Japan. Instead, it is more common to show affection through actions and indirect speech. For instance, saying “I love you” by giving gifts, pouring your partner a drink, checking in on them occasionally, etc.
Similarly, many Japanese people value their privacy and personal space, especially when it comes to their romantic partners. For instance, some surveys indicate that it is common for Japanese couples to only meet up with each other once a week! This may also be because their jobs are time-consuming. Moreover, the parents of a couple are often expected to care for them in their old age, so gaining the family’s approval is important for the relationship.
America
One of the most outdated dating rules that people still live by is that women should never reach out first. Instead, they have to wait for their love interest to call or text them. Trombetti says this is an unnecessary rule to follow in modern times. She believes that if someone is interested in you, they will reach out to let you know.
Other outdated rules include waiting three days to contact a date after a good first date and only having sex on the third date. These rules are no longer necessary in modern America, where dating is much more relaxed and free than it is in other countries. For example, it’s common for couples to move in together after several months or even years of dating.
The Netherlands
Although one should always take stereotypes with a grain of salt, Dutch men and women do have some unique dating habits. For starters, they’re very direct and don’t waste time with small talk. They prefer to get straight to the point – this might be a bit uncomfortable for those who’re used to more subtle courtships, such as a lot of flirting and complimenting.
They might also ask you your opinion about difficult subject matters, which can be a turnoff for some. However, they’re just trying to evaluate whether or not you’re a good match for them.
A promising sign that he or she likes you is an invitation to their inner circle of friends and family. If he invites you out to a group activity or even to hang out in his living room, it’s a clear sign that he takes the relationship seriously. He might cancel his plans at the last minute to spend time with you, as well.
South Korea
In South Korea, there is a fascinating parallel world of coupleness. They have couple rings, shirts, sneakers, pillows, underwear, and even movie theaters that offer private couches for an intimate date. Couples are a big deal here and people try their best to be the most couple-y of them all.
It is common for Koreans to jump right into a relationship after a few dates or less, and the three day rule doesn’t really exist. They are also glued to their phones and love instant messaging, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. If your crush suddenly starts contacting you less often, they may be losing interest and don’t want to hurt your feelings by saying so.
South Koreans are incredibly devoted to their partners and act extremely cute to them at all times. This is a way to show their affection and make them feel loved. However, it can be a bit overwhelming for foreigners.