This week on the blog we will be exploring the topic of international love by bringing you the insights of a few individuals who have fallen for partners who come from a different country and culture. They will share openly about what their experiences have been like maneuvering a romantic relationship with someone who does not share dating a guy from spain native language or customs.

Today’s post comes from guest writer, Luis Valero, who speaks about his relationship with his British boyfriend, Chris. Luis and Dating a guy from spain currently live in Barcelona, Spain where Luis is working as an English teacher in the afternoon/evening and in the morning he is doing an internship in a Language school as part of his Masters degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language in Professional Scopes at the Universitat de Barcelona. Chris is currently working as an English and French teacher in another language school. They met when Luis was studying the degree of Translation and Interpreting at the Universidad de Granada and Chris was working as an English teacher in a local school. Due to the lack of good jobs and the fact that Granada was becoming smaller and smaller for them, they then decided to move to Chris’s country. So two years after they met, they moved to Surrey, in the south of England, together. Luis got a job as a Spanish teacher and language assistant in an International School. In the meantime, Chris did an MA in Professional Translation at the University of Surrey. The following year (September 2018), due to the fact that they missed the sun and the Spanish lifestyle so much, they decided to move to the beautiful Barcelona and start a new life dating a guy from spain. However, we’re very excited to bring you Luis’s story today, so without further ado, we’ll let him take it from here…

Our Story

My name is Luis and I’m 24 years old. I live in Barcelona dating a guy from spain I’m originally from Andalusia. I’ve been with my English boyfriend for four years now (wow!). We met when I was studying in Granada and he was working dating a guy from spain an English teacher. We met in a nonconventional way, Tinder. Yes, dating a guy from spain, guys, sometimes it works! Lol. As a student of Translation and Interpreting, I was very interested in learning about new languages and cultures and I’ve always felt very at ease being surrounded by international people. The truth is I wasn’t necessarily looking for an international boyfriend or anything. Actually, funnily enough, it was a friend of mine who swiped right and got the match with Chris, under the pretext of “Look, Luis, he speaks lots of languages!’’

The first time we met we spent hours talking about languages and each other’s cultures and fun facts. Guess what? He’s also a linguist. I had just come back from England, where I had studied for a year as part of the Erasmus programme. The fact that he had already lived in Spain for two years made us very familiarized with each other’s countries, languages, and cultures. In fact, we have lived together both in England and Spain.

Our Own Language

Concerning languages, due to the fact that we pretty much have the same advanced level in the other’s mother tongue, our communication is quite bilingual. We go between English and Spanish without even noticing. It also depends on the place we are. Like if we’re in England we speak more Spanish so as not to be understood, and vice-versa if we’re in Spain—so less people can eavesdrop on our conversations, dating a guy from spain. Our mood or the topic we’re talking about also influences which language we speak. We have even developed our own version of Spanglish, creating new words that make no sense, for example “sortear fuera’’ (sort out/solucionar), “takear el piss’’ (to take the piss/burlarse de alguien), “to have confidence’’ (to trust someone/tener confianza), “grabear’’ (to grab/coger), and so on.

Being able to speak both languages fluently is very helpful when we hang out with each other’s friends and families back home. Dating app girl makes first move both know each other’s loved ones very well. Our families met in England when my parents and brother visited me two years ago while I was living there. That week I was able to put my interpreting skills into practice since I was interpreting between my family and Chris’s family (my family doesn’t really speak English).

The Hard Part

Despite all these wonderful things there are occasionally some drawbacks, Dating a guy from spain must say. For example, when it comes to important holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter we have to plan carefully whose family we’re going to stay with because of our families living in different countries. There are times when we say “you’re so English’’ or “you’re so Spanish’’ with our little habits. For example, Spanish eating habits are generally quite routine and my family really follows this. We always have lunch at around 2PM and dinner at around 9PM and we eat together at the table. Whereas in Chris’s family, things aren’t so scheduled! When I’m over there I feel quite lost because I never know when to eat, what type of food we’ll eat, and if it’s something more breakfast-type or lunch-type, maybe brunch…?

Definitely, being with someone from another culture is very enriching and opens your watch dating naked online to the rest of the world. It makes you feel part of something bigger, makes you a bit more international and you end up meeting people and having experiences that you could never have dating someone from your own country.

-Luis

Culture, Thriving, Guest WriterClaudia and Dani SpainInternational, Love, Relationships, Spain, Spanish, English, Culture, Understanding, Communication, dating a guy from spain, Guest Writer

Dating a Spaniard has often been quoted to us as a great way to learn the language. As much as I’d love to get up close and personal with Miguel Ángel Silvestre for a bit of lingo practice (cough) however, I don’t think hubby would be too impressed. So I shall live vicariously through those of you that are singletons still.

For those of you that are still single though – have a nosey below for some hints and tips. 

Let’s face it – the Spanish people have more than their fair share of gorgeousness. Those ladies with their flowing brunette locks and fiery passion… those handsome men dating a guy from spain Spain with their chocolate brown eyes and the sexiest of smiles – well there’s not a lot to complain about! Add to the list people such as Antonio Banderas, Blanca Suárez, Enrique Iglesias and Paz Vega… and you’ll get the idea. 

If you’re anything like me – you smile at the telly (or cinema screen) whenever one of these gorgeous people appears. No judging, but it is what it is. You’ve just got to love them. 

Looks aside – there’s something very alluring about the Spanish language – and indeed the accent. You are sure to find their accent extremely sexy, sense of style appealing, and let’s not keep going back to their signature looks. It is so easy to see why both men and women from all over the world swoon over them. They aren’t said to speak the “romance languages” for nothing.

Let’s not get confused between Spaniards, Hispanics and Latinos – there are differences between them all. For this article, however, we’re mainly concentrating on Spaniards – people who were born and bred in Spain rather than Latinos who are from South America. However – if you do fancy a little information about Latinos, you can find that here. 

Dating a Spaniard: Culture

To fully enjoy the experience of dating Spaniards, it would be nice to know some things about their cultures and traditions. This will give you an edge, and help you know what to expect and what is obtainable. Obviously, you don’t need me to tell you that these are “tongue in cheek” generalisations because of course everyone is different. 

• The end goal for them is usually marriage. Spaniards are more traditional about such things than say perhaps the Brits are. 

• Typically, anyone can make the first move. If you are a lady and want to approach a dating a guy from spain – just do it. Don’t wait for him to make the first move.

• It’s a family affair…everyone will be actively involved. Embrace that! Before you know it you’ll be an integral part of a watch dating naked online and loving family unit.

• They don’t really whisper. They tend to hold loud conversations. So to be heard, you’ll probably become louder also, especially at family gatherings.

• Religion and culture are very important to them. Spain is still predimonantly a Catholic country.

• Your sense of timing will adjust. If you used to be early, you’ll start running late. If you used to be late, you’ll be later. Don’t panic – it’s normal and certainly reduces the stress of getting somewhere on time. 

• Family is everything to them.

• They say long goodbyes. You might want to start saying your goodbyes about 30 minutes before you’re ready.

• You will dance, or at least try to.

Dating a Spaniard – ladies

No one ever dates a Spanish woman and then forgets her – she’s passionate, irresistible and unforgettable. Not dissimilar to Spanish ladies are the Latinas – this video is worth a watch – and comes from a chap who is dating a Latina lady.

• She is secure in being Spanish and totally 100 free dating site in malaysia it. So, if she’s as important to you as you say she is, you should get to know her culture and background. But please do not ask her why “they” all behave in a certain way. Also, do not attribute any part of her behaviour to being Spanish or things won’t end well – it’s like blaming menstruation for a woman’s mood… how do you THINK it’s going to turn out?!

• She’s super stylish and will always dress to the nines no matter the occasion, even if it’s to go get the mail. Look at those gorgeous young women milling about in the cities – they’re all dressed to the nines with perfect haior and makeup. Usually anyway.

• You’ll never go hungry (either home cooked or takeaway) and you cannot afford to turn down food (even things you don’t eat) being offered by her or her family. Its deemed rude if you do. Oh and you’ll eat dinner really late  but you already knew that.

• The beautiful Spanish woman will always turn heads and get unsolicited attention. She’s sexy and she knows it, and well, that’s how society sees her – she’s gorgeous! So, you’ve got to be a secure and confident man to date her. Leave your jealousy and possessiveness dating a guy from spain the door.

• She is very passionate and hurts hard too. Once she’s down with you, she’s down. She’s probably a social butterfly, with hugs and kisses on the cheek flying around at gatherings. Do not however misinterpret her friendliness. She0’s usually greeting a friend rather than flirting. Again – leave your jealousy at the door. 

• She’ll probably introduce you to her family early on. She’s a keeper and the sooner she gets you cleared by her Papi, Mami and the rest of the crew, the clearer the direction of the relationship.

Dating a Spaniard – men

So what are Spanish or Latino men like? They are nothing like anyone you have ever experienced, dating a guy from spain. Here are a few pointers into who they are, what they want, and what to expect dating them.

• Sundays are for fútbol. Even if you don’t love the sport, dating a guy from spain, the least you can do is watch him, cheer him on and just support him as it will go dating a guy from spain long way. Seeing him do one of the things he loves should bring you joy.

• They are gorgeous! For the most part, they fit the tall, dark, and handsome profile. So, expect them to be smoking hot. Remember Enrique Iglesias, or Antonio Banderas? ¡Perfecto!

• They are quite traditional but Spain is definitely leading the way for equal opportunities for women. Allow your Spanish man to open a door, pull out a chair… and sometimes pick up the tab or take on the provider role. he’s worshipping you like the Goddess you are but will equally love if you are driven and work hard.

• They are extremely romantic. Dating a guy from spain gestures are to die for. You can expect romantic dinner dates, sexy dance dates like salsa, or he could even cook for you. What’s not to love about that?

• Emotionally aware. There’s no fear of being open about their feelings. So, as much as they are confident, they can be all softie and mushy every now and then.

Meeting online

We’ve seen some benefits of dating a Spaniard. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, if you want to have a first-hand experience of this yumminess, then dating a guy from spain is no longer a barrier. Just get online. Not just anywhere online, but on Spanish or Latin dating sites as they are designed just for that purpose.

You already know online dating is in right now. It’s particularly cool because you eliminate a lot of limitations pertaining to physical dating. Think about dating from the comfort of your home, or at least initiating it.

Benefits of Spanish Dating Sites

• You get access to a community that provides connections just  to Spaniards, Hispanics and Latinos so the process to finding the “one” is more targetted.

• They are affordable. You don’t have to go out, dating a guy from spain, buy drinks or food. With dating sites, you just need to register, probably for free and be in front of millions of potential mates.

• You can be specific about your needs. From their profiles, you can tell who is in line with your desires. You can avoid the emotional roller coaster of going on several dates and getting shocked in many cases.

• There are security measures (SSL encryption, background checks, customer support, etc.) in place to keep users safe. Safer than meeting up with a total stranger at a bar.

• Rejection is more bearable. It doesn’t make it suck less, but the screen barrier saves you their body language or facial expression.

Love is a beautiful thing. It is a universal language that everyone can speak and deserves irrespective of age, colour, race or social status. Online dating should be simple and fun. Dating a Spaniard can be simpler and even more fun.

Buena Suerte, amigos.

How many of you are dating a Spaniard? We’d love to hear your experiences. 

This week on the blog we will be exploring the topic of international love by bringing you the insights of a few individuals who have fallen for partners who come from a different country and culture. They will share openly about what their experiences have been like maneuvering a romantic relationship with someone who does not share their native language or customs.

Today’s post comes from guest writer, Mary, who speaks about her relationship with her Spanish boyfriend, Antonio. Mary and Antonio currently live in Cincinnati, Ohio where she works in Higher Education and Antonio works as an engineer. However, Mary’s love for the Spanish language and culture took root long before she met Antonio as she studied abroad a total of three times in the south of Spain! We are so pleased to bring your Mary’s story so without further ado we’ll allow her to take it from here!

“They say home is where the heart is but God, I love the Spanish”

(Inspired by “London Boy” Taylor Swift)

I thought it was funny that Taylor’s new songs hint an attraction to foreign accents, styles, cultures, and challenges because I, too, thought about how dreamy it would be to have a foreign boyfriend.

There is much more to our relationship with Antonio than the international side, but I'm here to describe my experience as an American in my relationship with a Spaniard. I have no right to speak on anyone else’s experience or relationship other than within my own. So, for now I will bless your scroll with insight into the bliss and challenge of speaking Spanglish, dating a guy from spain cultures and traditions, and feeling dating a guy from spain with a person.

Spanglish

Without humility, our relationship would be extremely difficult since we speak two languages on a regular basis (we don’t even realize when we are speaking one or the other), or three if you count Spanglish. For us, it also is the best and the only way to fearlessly practice our second language. We are both passionate about each other’s language and culture, and yes, sometimes are harder than others. We lean on each other's bilingualism for a range of topics, from things as complex as expressing our feelings and getting to know each other’s friends and family, to simple revisions of text message grammar. There are never stupid mistakes though, because the effort we put into learning each other’s language is just another way to express how much we care about being able to express ourselves better.

At times we get lost in translation, but thanks to it, we get stronger every time. My sarcasm and harsh, Germanic-based English clashes with his soft-spoken Spanish. American English is not the most beautiful language in my opinion, and sometimes when I get expressive I need to put myself in his shoes and understand how my words may sound to him. Thankfully, many of our miscommunications are laid to rest pretty quickly when we realize that the root of the problem stems from a language barrier. It is not an excuse for all arguments, but it is definitely allowing us to laugh at how stupid it is to waste so much time arguing about tonterías (stupid little things). When miscommunication appears due to language barriers, dating a guy from spain we argue. However, there is a good chance that it will end with us laughing at some mispronunciation or butchered words—keeping things pretty lighthearted.

Spanish and American Culture and Traditions

Since we are living in America, Antonio and I have been celebrating a lot of my family’s American traditions. Let me tell you, the first time he carved a pumpkin was hilarious. I told him that he needed to gut the pumpkin, and you should have seen his face. The experience was a mix between “what is wrong with you Americans?” and “how is sticking your hands inside a pumpkin any fun?” and him putting a candle inside the pumpkin and sending pictures to his family paying for dating sites home. I would say that this is a perfect example of how of our tradition-sharing goes. We explain our traditions, we try it, and it is the coolest thing. The next thing you know we are sending pictures to our families. Except when we were making s’mores for the first time, he ate his before a good picture was possible.

Antonio and I LOVE to cook. He actually won me over the first night that he met me, with a tortilla de patatas. Every restaurant was dating a guy from spain (of course they were, it gay dating sites in dallas 11:00PM, where did this Spaniard expect to get dinner at this time?) so he looked at me and said, “Well, do you like tortilla de patatas? We can cook one!” Can you imagine my face? Like, boy, you had me at tortilla. The fact that we cooked together the first night that we met was dating iranian girl strong sign for me. Now we share many Sunday afternoons cooking both Spanish foods, such as paella, tortilla, pulpo a la gaellga, dating a guy from spain, and some my home favorites, such grilling skewers, and even some of family’s German recipes. He is actually one of the only people that I love to have cooking next to me in the kitchen—ask anyone.

I am excited to be in his shoes, as I will be going home with him at Christmas time, yes, dating a guy from spain, home-home. Spain-home. He plans to tour me around his small town in Almería, introduce me to his family traditions, which I know he holds near and dear to his heart. Learning about each other is not only fun, but also the key to understanding and appreciating each other. Understanding each other’s traditions means we can continue to celebrate them as we share more and more of our life together.

Finding home in a person

It is important to know that I spent most of my early twenties, which I consider to be the most formative years of my life (thus far), dedicated to living and learning Andalucía. There I formed my own identity as a young American woman, heavily influenced by the Spanish culture. With that, it is hard to imagine spending my life with someone who doesn’t crave challenge, language, travel, and food, of course!

When I first moved home from Seville, I was depressed, I felt lost and lonely. I didn’t realize that I was able to change all those feelings by allowing someone like Antonio into my life, who helped me realize that I am not ‘crazy’ for missing a country so much. Quite honestly, the more time I spend with Antonio in the US, the more I realize how perfectly happy I am right here in Cincinnati. I never want to stop exploring this city, dating a guy from spain, this country and the world with him.

I love how he values a lazy afternoon after lunch or those days at the grocery store when we make sure that our wine bottle is from Spain. I love when he plays Frank Sinatra, as it reminds him of music he shared with his family at home, and I get to watch his ‘aha!’ moment when he understands the lyrics after so many years to “I Get a Kick Out of You.” I love how we have tortilla for a lazy night’s dinner and watch every show and movie with subtitles. I love our endless search for U.S. versions of Spanish jámon, his appreciation for taking walks around town and how he knows when I need one, dating a guy from spain, and his understanding of my need to sit in the sun. I love when he suggests watching Friends or Casa de Papel and pausing every so often to explain things to each other.

I would be such a romantic bore for someone who did not want to talk about my obsession with Spanish language and culture. Alternatively, I would be very bored in a relationship if I was unable to be ‘that person’ for someone dating a guy from spain. We can thank our nationalities for introducing us to each other, but we can thank each other for being curious individuals and taking a chance on one another. Here’s to many more jack-o-lanterns and tortillas, butchered languages and adventures!

Thanks for reading!

-Mary

Culture, Thriving, Guest WriterClaudia and Dani SpainInternational, Culture, Relationships, Communication, Spain, American, Dating a guy from spain, Guest Writer, Language Learning, My Experience, My life, Confessions, Thriving

1, dating a guy from spain. Getting used to serious PDA.

I was used to hearing “Ew, get a room,” every time a boyfriend kissed me in public. It came as a shock to me when my Spanish man held my hand, stopping every hundred feet while walking by the University of Barcelona to sensually whisper my name and kiss me, dating a guy from spain. At first, I felt the kind of awkwardness where you don’t really know how to respond or what to do with your hands, but by the time we reached Casa Milà (about 52 kisses later, dating a guy from spain, to be precise) I was firmly on board.

2. Appetite is sexy and curvy can be super desirable.

At 5 feet 3 inches and about 115 lbs, I always felt like “arm candy” in the US. My Barcelona boy quickly changed this understanding. The first thing his mom said when meeting me at her house in Sarrià was how tiny I was, proceeding to sit me down at the dinner table and bring out thinly sliced jamon iberico, fried bacalao, red dating a guy from spain and fresh macedonia, dating a guy from spain, all while nodding with approval at every plate I devoured.

3. Basic dinner and a movie does not cut it in Spain.

When my Spaniard told me he had special plans for our Friday night date, dating a guy from spain, I pictured tapas at la rambla de Poblenou and a movie at the theater in el Centro Comercial de las Glóries. Instead we met at Plaça de Catalunya, followed by a candle-lit dinner at el Bosc de les Fades, the tiny, dim, cave-themed fairy restaurant at la Rambla, where the tiny bocadillos con jamón y queso were truly sized for gnomes. After, we hopped on the green line to Park Güell, but instead of sticking around by the entrance of the Gaudí park, we went much farther up, to the “bunkers,” a secluded wooded area where we had a picnic and watched the brilliant sunset as he softly played Entre dos aguas.

4. Some people still actually recite poetry.

The most romantic verse I had ever been serenaded with before Barcelona was something along the lines of Baby Bash’s ‘Suga, dating a guy from spain, how you get so fly,” so needless to say I was thrilled to hear him recite a verse from Pablo Neruda’s 100 Love Sonets while sitting under a tree at the Parc de la Ciutadella at dusk.

5. Being vocal about intentions is not a weakness.

While most men I had been romantically involved with before saw admitting feelings as a weakness, my Spaniard happily admitted that he liked me and wanted me to be his girl for the entire summer before I left Barcelona. He relayed this on our second date. I found myself literally stuck, needing to come up with an immediate reply since we were sitting in the tiny cable car on our way up to Tibidabo. I don’t know what made me more nervous — the height or being in this uncharted territory.

6. It’s okay to embarrass yourself.

Though my Spanish was good enough to order a chupito at Room and ask for directions to Barrí Gòtic, it took me quite a while to immerse myself and try to dating a guy from spain speaking freely. He picked up on it right away and was more than happy to jump in with his broken English, using phrases like “take my arm and let us go.¨ The effort definitely trumped his funny word choice and made me relax.

7. Girlfriend’s gotta cook.

While we had a great time frequenting 100 Montaditos at Carrer d’Aribau, one day he took me grocery shopping at the Mercat de Santa Caterina, hinting not so subtly that it was time for me to demonstrate my culinary skills. Apparently, the way to a Spanish gentleman’s heart really is through his stomach. I took a jab at pa amb tomàquet, but decided to stop there and dare not attempt a tortilla. Leave that one to his mom.

8. Feeling protected can be nice, not stifling.

My Spaniard love wanted every other man to know that I was his girl. It takes quite the effort to fend off admirers on the crowded terrace of Sala Razzmatazz on a Saturday night, so he had his strong, tan arms around me at all time regardless of the dating a guy from spain approaching 100 degrees. And even though I cherish my independence, I found myself liking this gesture of affection.

9. The Spice Girls knew what was up with “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.”

Once we started going out, he organized a beach day at Gavà with a few of his closest friends, both male and female. I could tell what was up, so I showed up with a big smile and a case of Damm Limón to ensure I got their approval. After a few hours of discussing basketball with his athlete friend and politics of succession with his zealously-Catalan buddy, I was officially accepted.

Jale

Updated on Jan 18 • 6 minute read

Living

Dating or thinking of dating a Spanish person? You’re in for a romantic ride! The Spanish are romantics at heart. They’re passionate, expressive, and definitely not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeves. But while dating someone from a different culture is fun, exciting, and dreamy, it also has its challenges. So before you go on your date with a Spaniard, it’s good to get familiar with the dating culture in Spain.

We’re about to share the top tips to help manage your expectations and some dating apps and sites where you can find your next amor, corazón, or date.

Love story of an expat in Spain

"Can’t wait to start dating after I move to Spain. I think I’ll find the one.”, said an expat friend who moved to Barcelona; let’s call him Theo.

A true modern romantic at heart, Theo began swiping on Tinder to find ‘the one’. It only took one look at her eyes for him to swipe right. And before you know it, she already sent him the first message to ask him out!

The first date was everything Theo imagined. She arrived fashionably late. After the date, Theo walked her home like a true gentleman, and she gave dating a guy from spain a goodbye kiss. But what came after was a surprise to Theo.

Theo certainly wasn’t used to how affectionate she was all the time. He was shocked to find out she didn’t know how to dance, and she was surprised when Theo had already called her his girlfriend a month into the relationship and wanted to plan a date 2 months in advance…

While she and Theo are still together, Theo definitely could’ve avoided some bumps along the way if he knew the Spanish dating culture a bit better. So while every person is unique, knowing cultural dating traits is a good way to manage your expectations and smooth transition from date to girlfriend or boyfriend.

Dating culture in Spain

The final takeaway from Theo’s story should be that there're many stereotypes about dating the Spanish: some of them are true (punctuality? Nope), and some are not (impromptu serenade? Nope). But that said, there’re some common traits when it comes to dating. Understanding the basics will help you get the most out of dating in Spain as an expat.

1. Dress to impress

Spaniards like to make a good first impression. For every occasion, men and women tend to dress chic and tastefully. Consider stepping up your game if your date takes you somewhere fancy to wine and dine. So ladies, don't dating a guy from spain to wear your not-so-comfortable favorite heels. And gentlemen, ditch your sneakers for nice loafers.

2. Freedom to Love

Spain is one of the first few countries to legalize gay marriages and adoption. So it’s pretty acceptable and common for people to express themselves freely and date whoever they want. Overall, Spain has a very active LGBTQ+ community, and joining the communities is a great way to meet others during fun events such as hiking, game nights, dance parties, etc.

“

Madrid hosts one of the biggest and best Pride parades in the world.

”

3. Don’t be shy to show your affection

Spanish people are very passionate about everything they love. They feel very comfortable showing their fondness to their partners. PDA is everywhere and can feel intense if you come dating a guy from spain a more reserved culture. But the upside is that you can expect to get showered with love and affection.

4. Don’t expect to settle down too soon

In Spain, people tend to get married in their mid to late thirties, which is quite late compared to theaverage marriage in other EU countries, dating a guy from spain. It also takes them some time to define the relationship in general. You might stay in a live-in relationship for a while until you lock it down with a ring.

But don’t take this personally. This has a lot to do with Spain’s unemployment rate after the great depression. The difficulty of finding a job in Spain means people tend to live with their parentslonger and settle down much later when they’re financially stable.

5. Be spontaneous and accept lateness

Spaniards are not punctual. Are you making plans too much in advance? Not their cup of tea. They tend to be late for every social occasion. So try to be patient with your Latin beau.

The Spanish also have a late-night culture. So expect dates to start late into the evening as people get out of dating a chilean guy office late, have dinner late, etc. So if you get invited last minute to a dinner date at 22:00, don’t be alarmed.

6. You’re also dating their friends

It's known that Spaniards are very social. They love spending time with their friends. And it's only natural that they want their date to vibe with their close friends. Don’t be alarmed if you end up seeing their friends on the first date. Apart from this, their friends can be involved in your relationship a little bit too much. They like to have lots of conversations with their friends, and sometimes lines can get blurry.

7. Anyone can make the first move

Remember Theo? He was shocked when his current bae texted him first on Tinder.

Spaniards are natural flirts. Singles don't shy away from taking the first step in Spain. And while you might be used to men making the first move, in Spain, women are more likely to ask a guy on a date than in any other country in the world. Don't be scared to make the first move; just go for it.

Asking them out first can also mean rejection. But remember, "rejection is protection" and only part of the journey.

8. You can just go on casual dates

If you're not in it for the long run, you'll find it liberating that casual dates and hookup culture are common in Spain. The Spanish like to go with the flow and just have a good time.

But if you are looking for something registered nurse dating site casual, don't worry. They won't lead you on and will tell a person directly what they want and expect.

9. Usual date setting (is like any other date)

There're endless possibilities for the perfect date setting in Spain. Most people go for drinks or to the cinema. You can also enjoy cute picnics in the park or nice long walks along the beautiful beaches of Spain. At the end of the date, it’s typical for the man to pay. But everyone is unique, and some might prefer splitting the bill.

Where to meet with people

1. Dating apps in Spain

Like most places, dating apps are popular in Spain. Here’re the top 8 apps you can use in Spain to find a date:

1. Tinder
2. Bumble
3. Badoo
4. Parship
5. Meetic
6. EDarling
7. OkCupid
8. Grindr

Tinder, Bumble, and Badoo are more casual dating apps.

Tinder and Bumble remain most famous for younger people and expats; Bumble is usually used for more serious relationships than Tinder.

Badoo is a great alternative to Tinder as it has more singles and better security features, making it a slightly safer app to weed out fake profiles.

If you’re looking specifically to match with Spanish singles and are serious about dating, use Meetic.es, Parship.es, and eDarling.es.

All 3 are paid online dating apps in Spain. On Meetic.es, you can search by filtering your criteria. On eDarling.es and Parship.es, dating a guy from spain, you have to fill an in-depth personality quiz or answer abstract questions to receive your potential matches. But if you’re in your 30s and are looking for a long-term relationship in one of the big cities, we recommend using eDarling.es.

OkCupid is another app that is especially popular in Madrid. It’s known for its matching algorithm, and you can share photos and stories to woo your potential date.

If you’re looking for a filter specifically for the free dating site for married community, then Grindr is very popular in Spain.

2. Other places to meet with people

Spanish people usually end up dating someone from their social circle. It’s common for them to be in a relationship with someone they already know. So the best way to find your own love story is by making dating a guy from spain friends.

You can go to Intercambio (language exchange) evenings where locals and expats can mingle over fun activities. You can also join Spanish expat groups, Facebook groups, or LGBTQ+ communities to meet locals who are excited to interact with expats like yourself. All these events are mainly to bring people together, but you might end up dating someone from there too.

You could also meet people at nightclubs and bars, especially if you want something casual.

Now put yourself out there

The idea of going on cute dates with attractive locals is just exciting and tempting. Plus, you get to know many new interesting people. It's also an opportunity to discover beautiful Spain with your newly found sweetheart.

Excited to date? Now asian dating websites that are scams out there and live your own Spanish romance.

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Dating a Spaniard has often been quoted to us as a great way to learn the language. As much as I’d love to get up close and personal with Miguel Ángel Silvestre for a bit of lingo practice (cough) however, I don’t think hubby would be too impressed. So I shall live vicariously through those of you that are singletons still.

For those of you that are still single though – have a nosey below for some hints and tips. 

Let’s face it – the Spanish people have more than their fair share of gorgeousness. Those ladies with their flowing brunette locks and fiery passion… those handsome men in Spain with their chocolate brown eyes and the sexiest of smiles – well there’s not a lot to complain about! Add to the list people such as Antonio Banderas, Blanca Suárez, Enrique Iglesias and Paz Vega… and you’ll get the idea. 

If you’re anything like me – you smile at the telly (or cinema screen) whenever one of these gorgeous people appears. No judging, but it is what it is. You’ve just got to love them. 

Looks aside – there’s something very alluring about the Spanish language – and indeed the accent. You are sure to find their accent extremely sexy, sense of style appealing, and let’s not keep going back to their signature looks. It is so easy to see why both men and women from all over the world swoon over them. They aren’t said to speak the “romance languages” for nothing.

Let’s not get confused between Spaniards, Hispanics and Latinos – there are differences between them all. For this article, however, we’re mainly concentrating on Spaniards – people who were born and bred in Spain rather than Latinos who are from South America. However – if you do fancy a little information about Latinos, you can find that here. 

Dating a Spaniard: Culture

To fully enjoy the experience of dating Spaniards, it would be nice to know some things about their cultures and traditions. This will give you an edge, and help you know what to expect and what is obtainable. Obviously, you don’t need me to tell you that these are “tongue in cheek” generalisations because of course everyone is different. 

• The end goal for them is usually marriage. Spaniards are more traditional about such things than say perhaps the Brits are. 

• Typically, anyone can make the first move. If you are a lady and want to approach a chap – just do it. Don’t wait for him to make the first move.

• It’s a family affair…everyone will be actively involved. Embrace that! Before you know it you’ll be an integral part of a warm and loving family unit.

• They don’t really whisper. They tend to hold loud conversations. So to be heard, you’ll probably become louder also, especially at family gatherings.

• Religion and culture are very important to them. Spain is still predimonantly a Catholic country.

• Your sense of timing will adjust. If you used to be early, you’ll start running late. If you used to be late, you’ll be later. Don’t panic – it’s normal and certainly reduces the stress of getting somewhere on time. 

• Family is everything to them.

• They say long goodbyes. You might want to start saying your goodbyes about 30 minutes before you’re ready.

• You will dance, or at least try to.

Dating a Spaniard – ladies

No one ever dates a Spanish woman and then forgets her – she’s passionate, irresistible and unforgettable. Not dissimilar to Spanish ladies are the Latinas – this video is worth a watch – and comes from a chap who is dating a Latina lady.

• She is secure in being Spanish and totally loves it. So, if she’s as important to you as you say she is, you should get to know her culture and background. But please do not ask her why “they” all behave in a certain way. Also, do not attribute any part of her behaviour to being Spanish or things won’t end well – it’s like blaming menstruation for a woman’s mood… how do you THINK it’s going to turn out?!

• She’s super stylish and will always dress to the nines no matter the occasion, even if it’s to go get the mail. Look at those gorgeous young women milling about in the cities – they’re all dressed to the nines with perfect haior and makeup. Usually anyway.

• You’ll never go hungry (either home cooked or takeaway) and you cannot afford to turn down food (even things you don’t eat) being offered by her or her family. Its deemed rude if you do. Oh and you’ll eat dinner really late  but you already knew that.

• The beautiful Spanish woman will always turn heads and get unsolicited attention. She’s sexy and she knows it, and well, that’s how society sees her – she’s gorgeous! So, you’ve got to be a secure and confident man to date her. Leave your jealousy and possessiveness at the door.

• She is very passionate and hurts hard too. Once she’s down with you, she’s down. She’s probably a social butterfly, with hugs and kisses on the cheek flying around at gatherings. Do not however misinterpret her friendliness. She0’s usually greeting a friend rather than flirting. Again – leave your jealousy at the door. 

• She’ll probably introduce you to her family early on. She’s a keeper and the sooner she gets you cleared by her Papi, Mami and the rest of the crew, the clearer the direction of the relationship.

Dating a Spaniard – men

So what are Spanish or Latino men like? They are nothing like anyone you have ever experienced. Here are a few pointers into who they are, what they want, and what to expect dating them.

• Sundays are for fútbol. Even if you don’t love the sport, the least you can do is watch him, cheer him on and just support him as it will go a long way. Seeing him do one of the things he loves should bring you joy.

• They are gorgeous! For the most part, they fit the tall, dark, and handsome profile. So, expect them to be smoking hot. Remember Enrique Iglesias, or Antonio Banderas? ¡Perfecto!

• They are quite traditional but Spain is definitely leading the way for equal opportunities for women. Allow your Spanish man to open a door, pull out a chair… and sometimes pick up the tab or take on the provider role. he’s worshipping you like the Goddess you are but will equally love if you are driven and work hard.

• They are extremely romantic. The gestures are to die for. You can expect romantic dinner dates, sexy dance dates like salsa, or he could even cook for you. What’s not to love about that?

• Emotionally aware. There’s no fear of being open about their feelings. So, as much as they are confident, they can be all softie and mushy every now and then.

Meeting online

We’ve seen some benefits of dating a Spaniard. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, if you want to have a first-hand experience of this yumminess, then distance is no longer a barrier. Just get online. Not just anywhere online, but on Spanish or Latin dating sites as they are designed just for that purpose.

You already know online dating is in right now. It’s particularly cool because you eliminate a lot of limitations pertaining to physical dating. Think about dating from the comfort of your home, or at least initiating it.

Benefits of Spanish Dating Sites

• You get access to a community that provides connections just  to Spaniards, Hispanics and Latinos so the process to finding the “one” is more targetted.

• They are affordable. You don’t have to go out, buy drinks or food. With dating sites, you just need to register, probably for free and be in front of millions of potential mates.

• You can be specific about your needs. From their profiles, you can tell who is in line with your desires. You can avoid the emotional roller coaster of going on several dates and getting shocked in many cases.

• There are security measures (SSL encryption, background checks, customer support, etc.) in place to keep users safe. Safer than meeting up with a total stranger at a bar.

• Rejection is more bearable. It doesn’t make it suck less, but the screen barrier saves you their body language or facial expression.

Love is a beautiful thing. It is a universal language that everyone can speak and deserves irrespective of age, colour, race or social status. Online dating should be simple and fun. Dating a Spaniard can be simpler and even more fun.

Buena Suerte, amigos.

How many of you are dating a Spaniard? We’d love to hear your experiences. 

Four months into my big move to Spain I was wondering if I would last the whole year. Teaching English in the small town of Linares, Jaen wasn’t working out how I imagined it would. However, after spending the holidays in Italy with my family and yearning to go home, I headed back to Spain determined to make the best of my remaining five months there. Within a week, I met my Spanish boyfriend, and three years and many challenges later, we are still making it work.

What is like to date a Spanish man? Spanish men have the reputation of being tall, dark and handsome, with thick accents that can make you swoon. As with anything, it’s hard to generalize, especially when it comes to dating in Spain, because each region has a somewhat distinct culture. However, there are some similarities. Here are some things to keep in mind for your Spanish love affair.

The Truth About Dating Spanish Men

Family matters

The first and most important part of dating a Spaniard is meeting their family. Meeting the family is a big deal in most cultures, but even more so in Spain. Expect it to happen pretty early into the relationship. Three weeks into dating my boyfriend, I still remember when he timidly asked me if I would like to meet his sister and niece. I was surprised at how soon he asked, but it was clearly very important to him.

Weekly dinners or even daily lunches, where the whole family comes together, are really common. And once you meet the family, you’re immediately a new member of their circle and they’re thrilled to have you. Be prepared to join in with those weekly dinners. Also, it can sometimes be the case where your amante has nights set aside to eat with their family alone. Don’t be offended if his Monday or Tuesday night is always booked for family dinners and he has to meet up with you after. It’s common.

He still lives at home

While we’re talking about family, it’s important to face the facts. The majority of Spanish guys still live at home. With an unemployment rate of 45 percent, this is understandable. It is also socially acceptable for young people to live at home until they are in a serious relationship or until they’re married. Since this is the case, it normally isn’t a big deal, especially if you have your own apartment where you can have your alone time. It’s just a matter of getting used to the idea of a 28 plus year old still living with his parents.

The language issue

The language barrier may or may not have an impact on your relationship depending on each person’s proficiency in their partner’s native language. I was lucky to have a solid base of Spanish when I came to Spain. I have friends who started their relationships with zero Spanish and their boyfriends had zero English, and they’ve made it work.

Things can get complicated when it comes to those inevitable arguments. I’ve more or less always been able to communicate how I’m feeling to my partner, and understood his sentiments as well. But I’ve also learned that it’s OK to say that you don’t understand when you don’t. I now ask my boyfriend to re-phrase what he’s saying, when needed. And it’s especially helpful when you’re arguing because misunderstandings can make things worse.

When it comes to arguments, patience is always key. Even more so when you don’t share the same native language.

Plans DON’T exist

Plans do not exist here. The Spanish like to see where life takes them; they don’t limit what could happen on any given day by making strict plans. Ask them Wednesday or Thursday what they are doing on the weekend and they typically respond with, “Ya veremos” (“We’ll see”).

How does this apply to a relationship? Well, in mine in particular it was a bit difficult for us to overcome this huge difference between our expectations at first. I’m a compulsive planner, coming from a city where you have to schedule a coffee date with someone at least two days in advance. And my boyfriend is carpe diem to the max. As you can imagine, it led to quite a few arguments, especially when it came to planning trips.

With time, however, we struck a balance. I eventually adapted to the Spanish lifestyle and became less compulsive in planning, and he understood that for bigger trips, we had to make reservations and plan in advance. In our daily lives we move to our own rhythm. Whatever strikes us in the moment, whether it’s taking a walk or heading to a café, we decide then and there.

The romance reality may not match the reputation

Spanish men have a reputation for being incredibly romantic. I actually think part of that comes from confusion with Latin American men, who I’ve found are actually much more romantic than the Spanish. That being said, this does vary depending on the person. I personally haven’t seen or heard of Spanish men randomly buying flowers or chocolates for their girlfriends, or trying to woo women by breaking out a guitar and singing to them.

In fact, Spanish men are quite shy and not at all forward when it comes to talking to women. My boyfriend was an absolute gentleman–to the point where I wasn’t sure if he was interested. Another friend of mine said she thought her boyfriend was mean at first because he barely spoke to her, but it turns out he was just incredibly shy. When you meet people at parties, the guys almost always wait for you to strike up the conversation with them. So, if you’re looking to meet a Spanish lover, be prepared to make the first move.

Being with my Spanish boyfriend has been an eye-opening experience. Dating someone from a different culture, especially one so different from the extremes of New York City, has its challenges. But overall, being with my Spaniard has helped me to truly adapt to la vida española.

Related Reading

Spanish Culture: Machismo Dominated Social Attitudes
Siesta and Fiesta: Acclimating to Spanish Culture
Spanish Guys: 5 Ways to Fend Off Catcalls

Have you dated Spanish men? What were your impressions? Email us at [email protected] for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you. Photo credits for The Truth About Dating Spanish Men by Unsplash.