If you’ve started dating a girl of a South Asian culture, you must try and learn her culture’s intricacies if you want the relationship to last. That’s not to say South Asian culture is difficult to understand or restrictive to outsiders, far from it, actually. Asian culture is rich, diverse, and heart-warming, and dating an Asian girl from South Asia can be a wonderful experience. In this post, we take a look at some of the essential things you should consider about culture if you start Asian dating.
South Asian culture is complex
Don’t be fooled into thinking that South Asia is a homogenous block. It isn’t. Close to 1.5 billion people call the region of South Asia home, and it’s essentially a sub-continent of its own. The area we’re talking about when referring to South Asia includes India, Bhutan, The Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It would be way off the mark to think these cultures are the same. Understanding the specific culture of your girlfriend’s home nation, or even better, her region, will help you know a lot about her and her family and will give your relationship a considerable boost from the beginning.
Religion heavily influences South Asian culture
In the South Asian region, religion plays a big part in the evolution of culture in different countries. In the area, religious diversity is noticeable and is incredibly rich. The region is heavily influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Depending upon the part of the country that your girlfriend is from, her culture could be influenced by one or several of these religions. Understanding and appreciating this is a way of showing you’re open-minded and willing to learn about her cultural ideals.
South Asian cuisine is delightful
On a less serious note, South Asian cuisine is a joy to behold. Should you be invited to meet your girlfriend’s parents, you will likely be treated to a delightful array of cuisine that is freshly prepared and a treat for your tastebuds. If you’re not used to spice, then be careful! Across the region, spices are used in excess to flavour food and bring tastes to your palate you may never have experienced. While this is a great thing, don’t be tempted to try something hot if you’re not used to it! Hot in South Asia is seriously hot, and you may find yourself in for an uncomfortable couple of days if you go overboard on the spice.
South Asian values are family-oriented
As with many parts of Asia, South Asian values are family-oriented. This means that it’s very likely that your Asian girlfriend places enormous significance on the family relationships in her life. Asking her questions about her family is a way of showing that you care, and even if you’re not close to your family, appreciate the fact that she is probably close to hers. Be understanding of the fact that she probably seeks advice from her family for many issues and speaks to them regularly. In short, if you hope to make a positive impression on your South Asian girlfriend, be sure to care about her family.
