From Tokyo to Rome: A look at dating practices worldwide
Romance is dead. That’s what the nuptial naysayers among us will say — but is there such a thing as true love in the 2020s? The unfortunate reality is that finding and courting your soulmate is a tricky thing, made all the trickier by the rise of digital dating practices. But it’s not impossible.
In fact, 2022 saw a large increase in couples tying the knot, akin to the booms seen in the post-war years. Whether you put it down to the pandemic, recovering wallets, or just Cupid’s well-aimed arrow, there’s no denying that there’s still love to be found out in the wild — even if it’s not on Tinder. Instead, plenty of cultures worldwide have their own unique means of finding ‘the one’.
So, let’s get inspired. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the captivating dating practices to be found around the globe and how you could leverage them in your love life.
1. Italy — A spot of fine dining
You’d be hard-pressed to find a populace more attuned to romance than the Italians. In il bel paese, romance is a second language — and dating an art form. Here, dining takes centre stage, laying the groundwork for an evening of conversation that flows as freely as the wine does. Whether you’re enjoying aperitivo or waiting for your Lady and the Tramp moment over a sumptuous bowl of spaghetti, prepare for an evening of shared bliss. The way to the heart is through the stomach.
But it’s not only in a rustic trattoria that Italians find love. Cooking together is another passion-fueled pastime in Italy, and makes for a rather lovely bonding experience. So, if you’re looking for love in the wrong places, consider a trip to a fine Italian restaurant instead, or craft an Italian date night at home. The experts at Pasta Evangelists recommend wine tasting, cocktail making, and even crafting your own pasta together.
2. UK — A trip to the pub
Traditions between different European nations vary dramatically — and there’s perhaps no better example of the variance than Italy and the UK. Up and down the country, one of the most popular dating excursions is a casual trip to the pub. The local watering hole is the heartbeat of the UK’s social scene, with 37% of British adults visiting a pub once a fortnight to eat and drink, according to Statista.
A cornerstone of British culture, the pub offers a haven for relaxed dating, with conversations, laughter, and the occasional quiz to keep the chemistry ticking over. If a first date is on the cards, you can’t beat the charm of an intimate village social club or a lively city gastropub. Brits forge their strongest connections over a pint — and it certainly eases the pressure of a fine-dining restaurant.
If you’re looking for an especially memorable spot, MyLondon offers a host of recommendations, from hideaway taverns with exciting live music to phoneless spots that prioritise human connection over WiFi.
3. Japan — A more-the-merrier group date
In Japan, the dance of love is a group number. The Land of the Rising Sun enjoys a unique and communal form of dating known as “gokon”, or blind group dates. This departure from the Western one-on-one dynamic traditionally involves gathering groups together with an equal number of men and women for a night of socialising.
As with any great Japanese feat, from the nation’s manufacturing industry to famously efficient train systems, gokon takes a structured approach. Participants from each group are brought together and introduced, then, the added camaraderie of the group sets the sparks flying. Parties can enjoy group activities and explore their connections with multiple different people in the early stages of getting to know one another. The same principle can be applied to all group dates — so why not bring some friends together to try a collective ice-breaker like ice skating, concerts, or even an art class?
Ultimately, there’s plenty of love out there in the world — and plenty of unique ways to find it. By experimenting with some of the above, you might just find your twin flame. Tell them we sent you.
