When you want to date a Latin man or woman, you need to know their culture, how they relate to society, and how they approach relationships. We have a few tips listed below that explain what to do when dating someone of Latin descent.
Latino men have a very unique personality that could be compared to Italian men, and Latina women can be compared to black women even though they are not one and the same. Read further as you meet people or even want so much to date a Latina or Latino, or see the best websites to find a latin partner.
1. Latin Folks Are Fiery
The history of Latin America is filled with civil wars, conquering nations from Europe, and a mixture of societies that stretch from the old Indian nations to the modern countries we see today. Latin folks are fiery because they are extremely proud of their heritage, and it does not matter what their heritage is.
This does not mean that Latin people will snap at you and be rude during your dates, but they have opinions, speak their mind, and expect you to do the same. If you are not willing to do that, they will get bored. You should also remember that Latin women are even more prone to be outspoken because their culture values the mother figure in the home, gives her a voice, and allows her to be an outspoken person.
2. Latin Folks Are People Of Color
This is a very important distinction because the social discourse in America has focused on the black population. While it is important to give African-Americans their due, Latinos are discriminated against just as much, and there are certain things they will not enjoy when they go on dates. For example, white people need to think of “risky” activities that they should avoid because Latin people might be afraid of getting in trouble.
This tip is not meant to be a downer, but white people need to be protective of the Latinos or Latinas that they date. In the same breath, you need to watch your language. There may be some micro-aggressions you use that need to be removed from your vocabulary.
3. Latin People Value Family
When you plan on dating a Latino or Latina, you are going to be involved in their family life, they will likely want to have a family, and they will involve their family in a lot of things that might be new to you. Do not be surprised if you have family members coming over often for parties and dinners. Do not be surprised that your partner’s mother or father visits your house regularly or reaches out to you to talk about their child.
The family does not mean to be intrusive. If they like you, they want to make sure that they get to know you and you feel welcome. This might be strange for people who are accustomed to dating white people, and that is why you need to be prepared.
At the same time, you need to talk to your partner early on about when and if they want kids. Because family is so important, your Latin partner will likely want to have children. You need to make sure that the two of you have talked about this before you get serious.
As mentioned, you do not want to be at odds over this issue. The family could get involved, and you do not want to make an awkward situation more uncomfortable. Since the whole family has the goal to expand, you want to agree to be a part of that before you get serious.
4. Latin People Do Not Need A Lot Of Personal Space
White American culture is built around the concept of personal space, but that personal space gets much smaller when you date someone of Latin descent. While everyone is different, you can get close and stay close to your partner most of the time. The idea of being “smothered” does not exist in Latin culture, and it is common for your partner to be touching you most of the day even if they simply hold your hand or place their hand on your thigh.
Because of the lack of personal space, you need to be sure that you are comfortable being this connected to your partner. Some people need more personal space than a Latino or Latina can provide, and it is best to avoid these relationships if you think that you cannot deal with the lack of personal space. This also means that you need to review your own “love languages” before you get serious with your partner.
5. Love Is Very Serious Business In The Latin Community
Languages can make a difference when you are dating someone, and people who come from Latin America most often speak Spanish as their first language. “I love you” in English can be applied to many situations from children to partners and friends. This simple statement can be used in so many ways that it is easy for your Latino or Latina partner to get the wrong idea.
In Spanish, “te amo” is the phrase that most English speakers use for “I love you”. However, “te amo” means that that person owns your heart. It is the deepest kind of love, and it is a very intense statement that should only be used in a situation where you know you plan to spend the rest of your life with that person.
Because of this language difference, you need to make sure that you do not tell your partner you love them until you are absolutely sure. In their culture, commitments mean a lot to everyone who is lucky enough to find love. For your partner, their family might have come from a country in turmoil where finding love was equivalent to finding safety.
You do not want to tell your partner that they are safe in life only to explain, “but I’m not ‘in love’ with you”.
6. Embrace Their Religious Beliefs
People from Latin America, Mexico, and South America are likely to be devout Catholics. They take their religious beliefs very seriously, and you should try your best to embrace their religious beliefs. You do not need to convert, but you should be willing to go to mass, meet their priest, and meet people that go to their church.
You might receive a rosary as a gift from someone in the family, and you might receive a family bible as a gift. This is a wonderful gift to be given when you are considered a member of the family, and you do not want to ignore these beliefs. You should try to meet your partner halfway if you are not a “church person” or have had issues with your faith in the past.
Your partner might help lead you back to the faith, or you can simply support them as they grow in their faith. You may also be asked to travel to special religious or pilgrimage sites that are important to your partner or the family. You can find another family at the church, but you do not necessarily need to get involved on a deep level.
7. Never Say No To Their Food
You should never say no to a Latina or Latino who is offering food. Food is a way to bring the community together, and food is something that often has fond memories attached to it. You need to be open to trying new types of food, and you should ask your partner if they can make certain dishes for you.
Your partner will be excited to cook for you, and they will tell all their friends that you love their cooking. You should also accept all the food that you are offered at family events. The only way you can refuse food is if you explain early on that you are allergic to a certain product.
8. Be Their Number One Fan
Your Latina or Latino partner will be your biggest fan. You want to make sure that you are their biggest fan. As the two of you back each other up, you will find that the two of you can get closer over time. You can build your relationship on supporting each other, and you should be the first person to be excited about even the smallest thing that they do.
This also means that you are telling everyone you know about your partner. They want to know that you are very excited for them and proud of them. You also need to show them that you will be in their corner while they are doing something that is difficult, and they will appreciate it if you try to help them in any way that you can.
Effort is rewarded in the Latin community, and apathy is going to be a problem for your partner because they are supporting you every day.
9. Allow Your Partner To Show You Off
Your Latina or Latino partner is going to want to show you off. They like to be open about their relationships, and they want their family to know that they have met someone special. At the same time, you should show them off as much as possible.
You do not want to offend your partner by keeping your relationship from the people that you know. You want to be as open as you can about your relationship, and you should ask your partner to introduce you to as many people as possible. Every time you hear about a new friend, colleague, or family member, you should ask to meet them as soon as possible.
You are showing your partner that you are invested in their friends and family, and you want them to know that you care to meet these people. You can make friends with these people, and you can make connections that will last for the rest of your life. At the same time, you should introduce your partner to your friends, family, and colleagues.
Because your partner will be your biggest cheerleader, we recommend that you let them get to know the people at work. You never know how your Latino or Latina partner will impress your colleagues and bosses.
10. Be Protective Of Your Partner
You need to be very protective of your partner because they are going to be hyper-sexualized most of the time. The curves and figure of a Latin woman are often over-sexualized by society, and you might see this happen in public. The same is true of Latin men because they are all seen as cheating casanovas who cannot help but have a wandering eye.
You will need to shut down people who are talking about your partners like this, and you should also allow your partner to leave places where they do not feel comfortable. These locations will often be restaurants and bars where you would like to have a good time. You may also need to support your partner if they feel they need to leave their job or file a complaint for sexual harassment.
These problems can happen at any time, and you need to make sure that your partner knows you understand the kinds of things they have to deal with.
Dating Latinos Can Be Very Rewarding
When you are dating someone from a Latin family, you will make new friends and family overnight. You will have the support of someone who truly cares about you, and you will get help from your partner as you try to grow in your job or faith. You simply need to be prepared to accept their food, their advice and get to know everyone in their life.
You will learn to be more open in your friendships, and you will also learn how to speak your mind, be honest about your feelings, and grow your inner circle. Take all of these things into account when you start dating.