9 Biggest Differences Between Dating in Western and Eastern Societies

Not being from the same culture as someone can lead to a lot of difficulties, when it comes to dating. At the core of it, the West is more of an individualist society, concerned about what benefits them and their personal desires rather than their community. Eastern cultures, on the other hand, are focused on a collective society, and what will benefit their whole community, along with their end-game goals rather than idealistic adventures.

Culture shapes everything that we know about dating – here are the biggest differences between going on dates in the East and in the West.

1. Picking a partner

Western: Choosing the right partner for Westerners is often based on looks, and whether or not you fall in love with that person. Romance plays a big role when it comes to choosing your final bae. Finances don’t necessarily play a role.

Eastern: Parents usually pick who is going to marry who, in Eastern cultures and looks aren’t always the deciding factor. Even if it’s not arranged, stability and finances will play a big role in choosing a mate rather than the spark you find based on physical attractiveness or what you have in common.

2. Dating

Western: It’s common to date several people and even have casual relationships and flings before settling down and marrying someone. Marriage is not always the goal in these situations.

Eastern: It’s forbidden to date before marriage in many Eastern cultures, and many people are expected to practice abstinence.

3. Marriage

Western: Most Western couples have slept together and dated for a lengthy amount of time before getting married. They meet on their own accord, even on a dating site, and decide the fate of their relationship from there, including whether or not to have kids.

Eastern: Many Eastern marriages are arranged marriages, and in most cases, are set up by the parents all meeting and introducing their children to each other. Soon after they get married, it is expected that they have children, or at least express a desire to.