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Would you date someone from a foreign country?

  • 15-09-2011 04:28PM
    #1
    Barbieliveshere
    Closed Accounts Posts: 233 ✭✭Barbieliveshere


    Recently had a conversation with a friend, who said she wouldn't be interested in going out with someone from a foreign country as some of the cultures are too different. Surely this isn't the case with a lot of woman is it? Can you just write off a person because of where there from?

    I do understand that sometimes religion comes into it, but as an ever growing multi cultural country is this train of thought common amongst us? Do woman prefer irish to foreigners? If so for what reason?


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Comments

  • #2
    Malari
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,150 ✭✭✭✭Malari


    No, I wouldn't rule someone out just because they were a foreigner, but I've only gone out with native English speakers before. I feel the subtleties of my sense of humour and just ease of understanding in general are better coped with in English :D

    Religion doesn't come into it for me, as long as it is not present.


  • #3
    baby and crumble
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,510 ✭✭✭baby and crumble


    I wouldn't, but I could understand if some people did. If they are from somewhere very far away, eventually if it's long term, someone has to move away from their home country and family... it might be a very divisive thing for some people, depending on ties they already have.

    If it's just because they're 'furriners' then, no, that's just silly.


  • #4
    Ickle Magoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    I married someone from a foreign country...


  • #5
    themadchef
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,813 ✭✭✭themadchef


    Beggers cant be choosers :pac:


    Seriously, if you're going to do a checklist of what fits your box (matron)before they open their mouths, then you'd be missing out on a whole world of experience.


  • #6
    Kash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭Kash


    I certainly would... and I have just gone the whole hog and married one.

    He's French and I love the fact that he has little cultural oddities that seem insane to me, and the turns of phrase that are clearly lost in translation - endearments in French can be odd: "ma puce" and "mon choux" are my flea, and my cauliflower... so sometime best left untranslated :)

    Other things are too funny to ignore, he has 'foot fingers' instead of toes and 'head skin' instead of a scalp.

    I agree with Malari - the subtleties of language were missing in the beginning of our relationship. Humour was one thing we shared, but our puns wouldn't always make sense to the other for example. And sometimes a chance phrase from one could unintentionally upset the other. But this meant that we both made more effort to make sure we were understood. To be honest, this extra effort would have helped in my previous (native language) relationships, picking people up wrong (deliberately or not) is common across the board.

    Having to explain the occasional Chritmas cracker joke is a small price to pay for having a fabulous, romantic, sexy husband with an accent to die for :D


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  • #7
    Uriel.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,058 ✭✭✭Uriel.


    I'm seeing a Greek girl for the past 6 months here in Ireland.

    Her English is practically perfect. There are some slang and general Irish humour things she doesn't get which is unfortunated - like watching "In Brugges" recently, i was wetting myself through the whole film, whereas she only got the "big LOL" moments - didn't pick up on the subtle Irish humour portrayed by Farrell and Gleeson.

    Having said that, over the past six months she is certainly picking up more of the subtlties and slang etc ...

    Future is probably the big thing though (very long-term). Not sure what will happen down the road. No matter how I feel about her I can't see my self upping sticks to moveto Greece permanently and not sure if she'll lcw in Ireland forever. There will surely be difficulties, like If a family member of hers got sick (long term illness).

    We've decided for now not to worry too much about the future in that sense and just enjoy each other... Not sure if that's a great thing or not but it works for now.

    I guess OP you just have to weigh up the individual circumstances.

    In principal I don't see any major reason why any one would have difficulties dating a foreigner but it can all depend on individual circumstances. I certainly wouldn't be ruling out a foreigner just on the basis of them being foreign


  • #8
    daenerysstormborn3
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,197 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    I have but it didn't work out, not related to our nationalities.

    I think for people who say they wouldn't date a foreign person it doesn't just fit into the "being racist" category.


  • #9
    Siuin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,659 ✭✭✭Siuin


    Tbh I find 'foreignness' to be a plus- learning about eachother's cultures, traditions etc adds interest to a relationship and serves as a reminder that the world doesn't revolve around our own little island. I'm dating a 'foreigner' at the moment, and have never met someone I could relate to so personally in all my life. They may eat different food, know different languages, have a different sense of humour, but sincerity, selflessness and genuine kind heartedness always comes through. My boyfriend is a hybrid of nationalities, but I simply never think of him as being an 'other'- we hold a similar world view, share common interests and have the same life goals, so the only inconvenience is the hardship of a long distance relationship!


  • #10
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    When you say "foreign country" do you mean a country with a markedly different culture to one's own? As in, in the case of Irish people, dating someone from anywhere that isn't Britain/America/Australia/New Zealand? If so, I'm sure I would. Never have done (apart from one-night thingies :pac:) and I really am a sucker for the Anglo-Irish (or whatever you call it) sense of humour, which would be the main thing that attracts me to men, but I wouldn't rule it out. Depends on the dude.


  • #11
    LenaClaire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,129 ✭✭✭LenaClaire


    I am from a foreign country and I married an Irish man... so yes :D


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  • #12
    EverEvolving
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭EverEvolving


    My boyfriend is from England but tbh I don't really count that as dating a foreigner. The two cultures are very similar (ducks for cover!). The main area I notice any difference is when I come out with a slang saying or say a word in Irish that is in my vocabulary like 'I'm off to my leaba' or something like that. Since we moved to Galway it's pretty funny listening to him pronounce the names of the estates as quite a few are in Irish.

    For me, nationality wouldn't come in to it so long as we were compatible.


  • #13
    starlit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,349 ✭✭✭✭starlit


    No. They are more trouble than they are worth! Different culture and values, differences in opinion and perhaps on religious grounds that sort of thing always gets in the way! Ok to be friends with them but anything more no.:o


  • #14
    R.D. aka MR.D
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,643 ✭✭✭R.D. aka MR.D


    The sense of humour thing as mentioned by others is huge to me so for that reason I couldn't see myself ending up with some one who wasn't Irish or British.


  • #15
    Da Shins Kelly
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,047 ✭✭✭Da Shins Kelly


    No way, it wouldn't put me off. I can understand a little easier if someone was less inclined to date a foreigner with whom there is a language barrier - humour is something that can really be lost if there's a language barrier. I would definitely give it a go though. I was briefly involved with a guy from Spain, and he was lovely, although his English was excellent so that did help. He was a great guy - very clever, witty and extroverted. I had a great time with him, and he helped to introduce me to more aspects of Spanish culture that maybe I wouldn't have experienced without him. I think maybe the only foreigners that I would find it more difficult to cope with would perhaps be those from more socially conservative backgrounds or cultures. I think there could be a culture clash there. I'd definitely be willing to give it a chance though anyway, if I liked someone enough.


  • #16
    Penny Dreadful
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,041 ✭✭✭Penny Dreadful


    I did. It didn't work out. A *****r is a *****r wherever they're from.


  • #17
    Rookster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 331 ✭✭Rookster


    It is usually for desperate people who cannot find anyone within their own country.


  • #18
    who the fug
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,041 ✭✭✭who the fug


    Rookster wrote: »
    It is usually for desperate people who cannot find anyone within their own country.


    Or people who see somthing wrong in marrying their first cousin


  • #19
    Lady Chuckles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    I'm foreign and dating an Irishman :)
    I'm more than happy and I think he is too.


  • #20
    Rookster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 331 ✭✭Rookster


    who the fug wrote: »
    Or people who see somthing wrong in marrying their first cousin

    If your first cousin is your only option there must be something wrong with you.;)


  • #21
    Lady Chuckles
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    Rookster wrote: »
    It is usually for desperate people who cannot find anyone within their own country.

    What a narrow-minded thing to say.
    I seriously hope you're joking.


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  • #22
    LeeHoffmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,770 ✭✭✭LeeHoffmann


    I've only ever went on one date - it was with a foreigner and we're engaged. I find it can be more interesting, particularly for a novelty-junkie like me, as the other person comes from a different culture, has a different (national) history and may speak a different first language. All of these things will inform their world view and help shape their attitudes and perspective.

    Generally, I find that if you turn the mind on, the body will follow -so somebody who has a different perspective and background from whom I can learn a lot has an automatic advantage.

    Regarding language barriers, that can be frustrating. My OH had pretty good English when we first met but I did find I had to simplify my speech a lot at the start. However, he improved very quickly and you wouldn't even know he wasn't Irish at this stage! I also got the opportunity to learn a second language from him so I feel like I was really lucky.

    Obviously Irish men have many advantages too, but I wouldn't rule out foreigners either.


  • #23
    Ickle Magoo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    Rookster infracted for inflammatory trolling.

    I'd advise that you take the time to read the forum charter here and Boards general posting rules and etiquette here if you wish to continue posting in this forum.

    Many thanks


  • #24
    Dudess
    Closed Accounts Posts: 37,214 ✭✭✭✭Dudess


    doovdela wrote: »
    No. They are more trouble than they are worth! Different culture and values, differences in opinion and perhaps on religious grounds that sort of thing always gets in the way!
    Best to judge in the actual situation rather than just making your mind up about things that may not even be a concern if you like the person enough...


  • #25
    LeeHoffmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,770 ✭✭✭LeeHoffmann


    Different culture and values, differences in opinion and perhaps on religious grounds that sort of thing always gets in the way!
    I think that's what makes it interesting! If I wanted someone the same as me, I'd date a mirror. Mirror mirror on the wall - who is the fairest of them all? Me, of course :D


  • #26
    Kash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭Kash


    They are more trouble than they are worth! Different culture and values, differences in opinion and perhaps on religious grounds that sort of thing always gets in the way!

    I would get bored very quickly of anyone who agreed with everything I said. I certainly would not want to be with them very long. Besides, if someone opposes your values, your cullture or your religion, you should be able to talk through them. Their arguments will either sway you into having a more relaxed view, or they will make your own arguments stronger. Experience changes you - if you never experience anything outside of your 'norm', you'll stagnate.


  • #27
    Neyite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,947 ✭✭✭✭Neyite


    I have dated foreign guys - I did like learning about cultural differences and all that, but the last one was a twat, and whenever I pulled him on saying something to me that was insulting or derogatory, he hid behind 'language barrier' as his defence when in fact he had an excellent standard of english. I loved the country and the people he was from, just not him :)


  • #28
    jaffacakesyum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,207 ✭✭✭jaffacakesyum


    Absolutely. A bit ridiculous to say you would never date a foreigner :eek:


  • #29
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 12,694 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Well I am marring a Welsh man soon dose that count as dating someone from a foreign country?


  • #30
    LeeHoffmann
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,770 ✭✭✭LeeHoffmann


    Yes. Wales is a foreign country ;)


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  • #31
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 12,694 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    The funny thing is when I read that thread title I keep thing of dating someone who didn't have English as first language but yeah across the pond is a foreign country and there is a cultural difference it very small but its is still there and its very had to describe.


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