As a 30-something girl on Tinder, I wasn’t really expecting to find anything (anyone) interesting, especially not while living in Serbia. At the time, I was ending a virtual relationship with a writer from LA and was sad about not being able to pursue relationships outside of my country. Dating someone from an entirely different world for the first time was so much fun!
So, the men on Tinder that caught my eye were mainly foreigners, whether they were Italian, German, or, most commonly, Russian. I must have talked to a ton of Russian guys, but I’ve only dated a few.
Like most women, I pictured that a handsome stranger would be a charming British guy like in all romantic comedies, but surprisingly, what I discovered was the unexpected, hidden charm of Russian men.
Here is what I learned from dating foreigners in Serbia, whether they’re from the US, Italy, Germany, Russia, or some other country.
1. They are exotic and different
A man who comes from a different culture will not be the same as the men you’re used to dating, and that will make him more interesting. A handsome stranger comes from a very different background than you do; he has read different books, he watched different movies, he likes different music, he grew up in a different world… and he will bring all this exotic stuff into your world.
2. They expand your horizons
I love men who can open up new worlds for me! Did you know that St. Petersburg is 4 times the size of Belgrade (the main city in Serbia)? I don’t have to travel somewhere physically when a man can tell me stories about different worlds and expand my horizons.
3. They help you learn new things
Being able to learn from a man is one of the most important things to me when choosing a partner. When I was dating a foreigner, I was learning something new every day!
What I found very interesting about Russian guys in Serbia is that each of them had some interesting, uncommon equipment in their home. I don’t know why that is so…
you can have a karaoke machine, keep a motorcycle in the apartment, and that movies are more enjoyable when you watch them on a projector
But it’s how I learned that VR (virtual reality) is actually affordable and accessible, that you can have a room just for electric drums, that you can have a karaoke machine, keep a motorcycle in the apartment, and that movies are more enjoyable when you watch them on a projector. How cool is that?!
I also learned about crypto, NFT, self-checkouts, and, of course, I learned a lot of new interesting words, including “Ya lyublyu tebya” (“I love you” in Russian)!
4. They put more effort into messages
Even though almost everyone you meet these days knows English, there is still a language barrier between you and a foreigner because your native languages are different. It makes it difficult to communicate properly, and I think that is why foreigners put more effort into their messages, to prevent misunderstandings.
5. There will be misunderstandings
This is not just because of the language barrier. You come from different cultures, and that means it’s sometimes hard to understand each other properly. There will definitely be misunderstandings if you decide to date someone from a different culture. However, this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Sometimes it can be really funny and lead to inside jokes.
6. It feels like an adventure
Since you learn something new every day and date someone who is open to trying new things, it will feel like an adventure. You will still be in your country, but by dating someone from another one, you will feel like you have lived there too. Someone very different from you (and people you’re used to) will be exciting and unpredictable in a positive way.
7. They are generous with their time and money
Foreigners who start living in a new country don’t really have a lot to do except their work and trying to connect with new people and understand the new culture. So, if you date them, they will devote most of their time to you. They will spend hours texting you, take you on interesting dates, explore the city with you, and shower you with gifts.
When I dated the first Russian guy, I was shocked by the fact that it was enough for me to mention going somewhere or getting something and he would almost instantly take me there or get me that.
8. They will surprise you
Prepare for the unexpected! When you date a foreigner, you will get a lot of surprises, and I don’t mean just gifts. You will be surprised by what they think, say, and do, and how much they’re willing to invest in the relationship.
Plus, they will surprise you with small romantic gestures such as remembering what kind of food you like and cooking it for you, or sending you soup when you feel sick.
9. They will treat you right
Honestly, I felt like I was treated like a princess in my relationships with foreigners, and even by those I just met and haven’t even dated. They are very cautious not to be disrespectful, and they act like gentlemen!
10. They might have to leave
Unfortunately, a relationship with someone from another country can end simply because they need to go back to their country. You have to be prepared for that and settle for a long-distance relationship or even consider moving away with them.
I stayed in Serbia, and I’m looking for a new adventure! What more can I learn from dating foreigners? Find out in some of my next stories. Poka (Russian for “Bye”)!l when trying to make a good first impression.” Whether you’re using humor to break the ice or to make your personality shine through, a funny bio can set the stage for a conversation that’s much more natural than a standard “Hey” or “What’s up?”
