Dating belgian women

Belgian dating has shifted to the digital world like elsewhere, as online dating in Belgium and dating apps have increasingly become popular. However, meeting someone at a bar or through a friend is still a common way to meet Belgian women and Belgian men, especially in smaller Belgian cities.

Dating someone from any foreign country can be complex. Different cultures around the world place different appreciation on what qualities make someone desirable. What might be considered romantic, polite or respectful back home, might not be well received when dating in Belgium.

You may notice differences between Belgium’s three language communities, and as you wouldn’t stereotype your own dating traits, nor is it possible to stereotype Belgian dating traits. But there are some general tips about dating a Belgian man or dating Belgian women that can help you avoid making a Belgian dating blunder.

Dating in Belgium

Belgians are known for being reserved and conservative, which can at first make them appear distant, unemotional or, sometimes mistakenly, disinterested. Belgians tend to be formal and closed when meeting people for the first time, and relationships can take a long time to develop; it’s not common to discuss personal matters, or at least at the beginning of your acquaintance. However, once all the aspects of your potential partnership (or even friendship) have been considered and approved, Belgians who enter a relationship are serious and thereafter comfortable with opening up.

On the other hand, a Belgian won’t mess around with ‘dating standards’ if they are interested – there’s no taboo around contacting someone straight away, calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend after one date or being invited to join them at a wedding. In this way, Belgians can be incredibly romantic.

Yet Belgians are not renown for being overly passionate or touchy-feely, although they make up for it by generally being hard-working and solid in nature. Their dependability and calm nature can make them great partners in times of crisis.

Good manners and presentation are also key when looking to impress someone, especially when dining. With access to an array of top Belgian foods and gourmet restaurants, an inner foodie hides in every Belgian; cooking skills, appreciation of fine food and proper table manners are great starting points to impress your date.

Belgians are also particular about their surroundings, and take pride in clean and well-maintained homes, as well as organisation in their social lives and careers. Thus appearing careless or irresponsible in your habits or manners are not generally attractive traits to Belgian men or women.

Punctuality is also a prided trait, and turning up late is a sign of disrepect. If your date is picking you up, this means being ready well in advance – they’ll likely be on your doorstep before the agreed time.

Meeting Belgian women and men

With Belgium’s long history of immigration, there is no typical stereotype of what Belgian women or Belgian men look like.

It’s typical for both Belgian women and men have active schedules and many committments – including with family – and it can be hard to get a place on their agenda. Likewise, your Belgian date is less likely to be available for last-minute plans or impromptu dates. Belgians tend to love their comfort zone – whether it’s their village, close friends or family – which sometimes can be hard to break into.

Introductions with strangers tend to be a handshake and formal language, while acquaintances will go for cheek kisses. Conversations are generally soft-spoken and calm, and many online forums talk about the ‘gentle’ nature of Belgian people.

Unlike in some countries, Belgium does not have a homogeneous culture. The country is divided into three language regions, where they speak Flemish/Dutch, French and Germany. Confusing Belgium’s distinct cultures or being unaware of Belgian history would not impress your Belgian date.

If you are ever invited to someone’s house, you should accept any drink offered by your host but don’t ask for one if it’s not offered. At dinner parties, it’s not uncommon that partners or husbands and wives are not seated together. Belgians also tend to be thrifty and don’t appreciate waste, so finishing all the food on your plate is important. It’s also common to take a gift when invited to someone’s home, such as flowers, wine or even candy, if children are there. By no means give chrysanthemums, as they symbolise death.

Belgian women

Belgian women know good food and how to enjoy a meal, yet will never forget to maintain their poise or table manners, which are also vital to reciprocate if you want to impress a Belgian woman. Similarly, if you opt to give Belgian chocolates as a gift or take a Belgian woman to a restaurant, low quality won’t win you any points – although Belgian women are not strangers to enjoying a good Belgian waffle or frites on the street.

Belgian women are typically independent, with Belgium boasting good wage equality and employment conditions. It is not a taboo for women to pay on a date, although Belgian women still appreciate chivalry and value politeness above all, so paying or taking a small gift will win you points. Belgian culture is typically modest, and Belgian women do not expect lavish gifts on a first date – add the Belgian trait of being thrifty, and it may even be seen as poor taste.

Despite Belgian women being socially and economically empowered, it hasn’t replaced the traditional family values in Belgium. Belgian women tend to marry early and in some homes traditional gender roles play out.

With the emphasis placed on manners in Belgian culture, behaviour is important to Belgian women. It’s important not to put your hands in your pockets, yawn or use toothpicks in public places. Your feet should never be put on chairs or tables. Your hands should also stay on the table during the whole meal, and never in your lap. If your manners are below par, you can expect to get judging looks from your date.

In fact, being courteous to everyone and waiting your turn in all interactions of social life is the premise that holds together Belgian culture. In this respect, losing your temper with Belgian women or raising your voice can be the quickest path to a break-up.

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Belgian men

Neatness and order are highly regarded both in Belgian culture and appearances, and Belgian men are penchant to self-grooming, down to clean and tidy fingernails. Likewise, showing up in torn-jeans or very casual clothes to a date will unlikely impress a Belgian man.

Belgian men are known to be polite, soft-spoken and courteous. They will sometimes rise when a woman enters the room or stand on public transportation until women are seated, which is a sign of respect. Do not be surprised to get a ‘judging look’ by people in Belgium if you don’t adhere to social norms; they are especially keen on good manners in public places.

Belgian men are hard-working but also know how to enjoy a good work-life balance and dedicate time to their family. Family plays an important role in Belgium, with some Belgian men living with parents into their 20s or 30s, as well as visiting parents or grandparents weekly or even talking daily.

If you are invited to a group event or dinner party, it is common for Belgian men to shake the hand of the host, as well as everyone else in the room, or kiss the cheeks of women who are close acquaintances.

Marrying a Belgian

It’s not uncommon for married couples to work side-by-side in either business or farming. Instead of divorcing, couples who are in business together may remain legally married in order to protect their assets, while maintaining separate households with new partners.

Foreigners marrying Belgians may have to go through extra paperwork procedures to get a marriage approval. Read about getting married in Belgium.

Men and women usually marry in their teens and 20s, and begin their families early. This is why it is possible to find single men and women in their 30s or 40s, as they married young and are now divorced. Most families have between two and four children.

It is of course possible to live happily-ever-after with a Belgian; as the Belgians value good manners, if yours are not up to Belgian standards, try changing them to win their hearts or resolve issues.