But even if you have been unlucky in love, maybe it’s time for you to date a Latino/a. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t sharpen up your game if the opportunity arises. Just a few pointers. Lesson number 1: Don’t try to learn Spanish if you don’t want to be made fun of. Lesson number 2: Don’t try to assume stereotypical attitudes if you don’t want to get dumped. And lesson number 3: Just be yourself and face the cultural differences with an open mind.

Of course, cultural clashes can be a disheartening experience. But even if your relationship ends up in failure, down the line you will value what you learned. Setting the personal qualities aside, any expatriate is also a vessel of beliefs, attitudes, customs, and mainly, surprises.

Going on a date with a latino/a? Sit down and expect a fabulous ride!

1. Discover Another Way Of Life

Let’s face it. Every culture has their own advantages and flaws. You never fully discover your culture’s shortcomings until you date a Latino. As soon as I emigrated to the US, I dated an American girl. I frequently noticed her peculiar gesture whenever I talked to my parents on the phone. After a few occasions, I asked her why she stared at me that way. She smiled and said: “I just think it’s sweet the way you talk to your parents. And how you always care for them.”

I didn’t honestly know what she meant; only after years later. Apparently, the strength of our family values are highly appreciated in the U.S.

2. We Are Very Passionate

Maybe love has nothing to do with it. But if we meet the right person, Latinos turn extremely passionate. The value of giving everything for the other has been ingrained in us since we were children. Yes, we may risk everything for nothing and yes, we are vulnerable. But guess what, we always go the extra mile to please our lovers.

We are passionate and emotional, and if you doubt it just watch a latino soap opera and discover our key value: life is worthless without love. And if our passion often leads us to a heartbreak, we can quote Alfred Tennyson: “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”

3. Learn Our Language

If you are living in the US, this one is for you. With a vast latino population, you don’t want to miss all the fun occurring in the Hispanic-American world. So, why not learn Spanish?

Learning Spanish while dating is the most amusing experience any expat can have. Just memorize the phrase “Como se dice?” (How do you say?) and then you are home free. Besides, you can learn the most basic phrases: Besame ahora (Kiss me now), Abrazame, (Hug me), vamos a acurrucar (let’s snuggle). What can be greater than learning Spanish while receiving a kiss as a reward?

4. We Can Dance

A latino guy would definitely take you to many parties where latino music is danced. You will have a chance to prove your dancings skills. If you don’t have any, you can learn. Then you will find out how inexhaustible latin music is: Bachata, merengue, salsa, cumbia, banda, bossa nova, guaracha, bolero, tango, samba, reggaeton, etc, etc. And every type of music has their own particular steps! Dancing is not only an art, but a profound form of expression and an antidote for unhappiness.

5. We Are Sexy

As a latino I can testify that Latinas are the sexiest women in the world. What can be more breathtaking than a pair of exotic eyes, long dark hair and a soft accent? Men of all types easily get mesmerized by such a perfect combination. If there is so much written about Latino beauty, then how come haven’t you still found one?

6. Experience Different Types of Cuisine

Dating can also be a way to expand your taste, as well as your appetite. You never know what you are missing until you try it. A friend of mine married a Peruvian woman and was delighted to taste their cuisine. He always disliked sushi, but now he enjoys Ceviche (a raw fish Peruvian dish) regularly.

7. Adopt a New Family

Latinos profess strong family values. If you begin a relationship with us, you also begin a relationship with our family. You are not only gaining a boyfriend but also a new mom, dad, brothers, sisters, uncles and cousins. Be ready to be called cousin, uncle, nephew, niece, brother, or son. At first you might find that a bit disturbing, but in the long run you will feel grateful for gaining the honest affection of lots of people.

8. Find the Best Places in Town

Are you taking a trip to your partner’s homeland? Forget tourist guides, travel agencies, and the rest. They usually recommend places they are doing business with. And from an insider’s point of view, I assure you the best touristic sites are mostly unknown. From hotels, restaurants, clubs, beaches and malls, you can access the best latino sites just by dating a latino. No one knows a country so well as someone who has lived there their whole life.

9. You Will Work Harder

Our work ethic is contagious. After dating a latina, you will feel embarrassed not to have worked that hard. Soon you may start emulating that. While dating a Latina, everyone at work will notice a change in you. You will work extra hours, perform better than the rest, impress your boss and get a substantial raise.

10. Uncover a Magnificent World

I’m so conceited. I thought that I, born and raised in South America, knew enough about Latino culture. Oh Lord, I was just ignorant. Settling in the US, I had the chance to date a Colombian girl, an Ecuadorean, a Brazilian, and a Salvadorian. After they introduced me to their own national heritages, all I do now is quote Socrates:”I only know one thing: that I know nothing”.

Isn’t it great you can submerge into such marvelous heritage by dating a latino?. The cultural treasures of any country are endless. They truly are. But those treasures are only revealed to the few who seek for them.

Make up Your Mind And Go For It!

In the end, just remember that, regardless of all cultural differences, love is universal. Dating has nothing to do with culture; it’s only about personality, chemistry and character affinity.

One day, my doctor told me the events of his wedding celebration. It was kind of peculiar, he said. The families of both him and his wife had a hard time getting along. Why? He is from Philippines, speaks Tagalog, and practices medicine. His wife is from India, speaks Hindi, and is a software engineer. I asked him how they were able to overcome all their cultural differences.

He look at me and said: It’s simple. We love each other.

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