5 Top Things to Know when Starting Out on Asian Dating Sites

Whether you’re a fan of Asian culture and people, are looking to date someone of an Asian ethnicity, or are living in Asia and want to find dates, you’ve plenty of fun options through Asian dating websites. There are, however, a few notes worth taking if you’re new to Asian dating websites, some of which might be a little more obvious than others. So, here are our top 5 things to know about when you first start out using Asian dating websites…

1: Asia is massive

Go ahead, check a map! Asia includes almost 50 countries, from Japan to Kazakhstan, Cambodia to South Korea, Vietnam to Iran, you’ll discover a huge variety of cultures and people. Asian dating websites tend to focus on countries in the East, but you’ll find members from all over the globe, many of whom have direct influences from neighbouring countries. As such, the potential for travel, dating and meeting new friends with different experiences is huge, and it’s worth doing a little research into your favourite Asian countries to find out which you might prefer to explore.

2: Small cultural differences

Whilst larger cultural differences might be quite obvious, it’s worth remembering that tiny gestures or behaviors can mean quite different things to people from different cultures. If you don’t want to inadvertently cause offence, it’s a good idea to swot up on a few of these differences, or at least to bear in mind that some things you say or do can be interpreted quite differently to how you intend them. The same can be said foreign behaviors seeming strange or insulting – our general advice is simple: try not to take offense, but instead give other people the benefit of the doubt, and discuss your differences.

3: Dating protocol

Dating is a strange game and the generally accepted “rules of dating” can differ from one culture to the next. In some Asian countries, for example, public signs of affection are frowned upon. In others, it may be expected that men pay for dates. In others, none of those social rules might apply. If you’re unsure about dating protocol specific to the person you wish to date, it’s a good idea to talk to them about it, or even just to look on a few forums and websites, where there’s often plenty of good advice on how to proceed.

4: Translation services

If your Thai needs work, or your Mandarin is rusty, or your date’s English isn’t quite as fluent as you’d like, you may need a little help from a translation service. With technology having developed considerably in recent years, it may be the case that you can use an instant, automatic translator in written communications. Your English will be transformed into the Asian language of choice, or vice-versa. However, there are also translators who you can employ for short periods if you wish to speak to a potential date, offering live translation, as well as offering to answer questions or expand on topics for you. These services may cost money, so it’s worth remembering that this can be an added cost if you wish to talk to someone with whom you do not share a common language.

5: Moving abroad

Some people who use Asian dating websites are hoping to meet a life partner. This can be a great, life-altering experience, but it’s also worth bearing in mind the reality of the situation: unless you’re happy to maintain a long-distance relationship, one of you may need to move to the other’s country of residence. In many Asian cultures, family is extremely important, so moving away might not be a possibility. You, therefore, may wish to consider moving abroad at some point. Obviously, this is a massive decision which shouldn’t be taken lightly, but it’s worth considering whether or not this is something you’d be willing to do if you met the right person.

The lowdown…

Being open to different cultures (including minor differences and dating differences) will allow you to make a great start on your Asian dating journey. A little research can go a long way to bridging any gaps which might appear, and it’s worth exploring the different translation and travel services provided by your Asian dating website. Although marriage or travel might seem far away options, it’s always worth considering whether or not those are possibilities for you, as they can sometimes be deal-breakers if you meet the right person.