Ep. 9 - Dating in Spain is Shockingly Different to American (+ Is Barcelona Worth Moving to?)
Oct 29, 2023
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Irina, a Barcelona native, discusses the cultural differences between Spanish and Canadian mentalities, including dating and connection differences. They explore why living in Barcelona may be exciting but leave you feeling empty in the long run. They also discuss the rise in crime rates targeting tourists in Barcelona and the experience of being a foreigner in the city.
Barcelona offers a vibrant social life with easy opportunities to make friends and enjoy the city's food and nightlife, but it is becoming increasingly tourist-oriented and losing some of its local character.
In Barcelona, dating is characterized by a direct and honest approach, emphasizing open conversation, deep connection, and personal growth before commitment, while Toronto has a more reserved and cautious dating culture with potential ambiguity and social pressure.
The dating scene in Barcelona is more relaxed and open-minded, with no focus on commitment or financial status, allowing for casual beer dates and equal independence between men and women, but it's important to approach dating in Spain with an open mind and embrace cultural differences.
Deep dives
Differences between Barcelona and Toronto
Barcelona and Toronto have significant cultural differences, with Barcelona known for its more relaxed and open-minded lifestyle compared to the organized and structured lifestyle in Toronto. Barcelona prioritizes enjoying life and going with the flow, while Toronto emphasizes planning for the future and achieving specific milestones.
Pros and cons of living in Barcelona
Barcelona offers a vibrant social life where it's easy to make friends and enjoy the city's amazing food and nightlife. However, the city is becoming increasingly tourist-oriented, leading to overcrowding and, in some areas, a loss of local character. Barcelona's nightlife is lively but can be transient and focused on partying. Safety concerns such as pickpocketing are prevalent, particularly targeting tourists.
Dating culture in Barcelona versus Toronto
In Barcelona, dating is more direct and honest, with people being open about their intentions. The culture values open conversation, getting to know someone deeply, and the freedom to be oneself. Commitment tends to happen later in life, with people prioritizing personal growth and exploration. In contrast, Toronto has a more reserved and cautious dating culture. People can be more guarded and less likely to express their true intentions, leading to ambiguity and potential ghosting. Toronto's dating scene can feel more superficial, and there may be pressure to conform to certain social expectations.
Dating and Cultural Differences in Barcelona
Dating in Barcelona is characterized by a more relaxed and open-minded approach. Expectations are not focused on commitment or financial status. Going out for beers is a common and casual way to get to know someone. Women in Spain are independent and do not expect men to pay or make grand gestures. The dating scene is less formal and allows for more honesty and openness about intentions.
Regional Variations and Comparisons
Barcelona is more open-minded and diverse compared to other parts of Spain. Each region has its own cultural differences, such as the bullfighting tradition in some southern areas. The Catalan region, including Barcelona, tends to be more frugal and independent. However, it's important to note that Spain is not the same as Latin America, as each culture has its own unique qualities. It's crucial to approach dating and relationships in Spain with an open mind and embrace the differences.
This week I sit down with Irina, from Barcelona Spain to chat about the biggest cultural differences when it comes to Spanish vs Canadian mentality: from going out, to daily work culture, to connection and dating differences. We break down the reason why Barcelona may be an exciting place to live in but may leave you feeling empty in the long run, and why Spaniards in Barcelona don't tend to commit early on in their life.
Irina's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irinajamois/
Each week I will interview guests from all around the world on the topics of culture, connection and of course, dating. The goal is to go as deep as possible and to really understand where we all come from and how much culture influences our life.
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My Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/datingbeyondborders
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/datingbeyondborders
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