I never thought that the cultural background of a dating prospect would make much of a difference when it came to relationships. However, since living in New York, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many different people from various backgrounds and it’s become clear that there are definite cultural norms specific to European men versus American men (especially New Yorkers). I’m not to judge that one is better than the other, and mind you, my observations are based on my own experiences as well as a group of women I’ve interviewed in the last two years. The below is a list of some of the themes and commonalities observed. Now, when I discuss the differences between European and American, I’m referring to a mindset. You can very well be born in America but have a more “European” mindset and vice versa.
1. European men aren’t just aiming to score. American men on the other hand, tend to be goal oriented, with the aim of getting laid. Perhaps this ‘score mentality’ is for bragging rights, perhaps it’s for validation so they can feel wanted and desired, or perhaps it’s a pure ego play. American men will rush to get you in bed as quick as possible, while European men don’t appear to have the same rush (or desperation).
2. European men don’t ‘date’ – in the formal way that Americans are used to. The types of dates seen in movies – the formal ask, the fancy dinner and the entire dance that ensues simply doesn’t exist in the European mindset, in fact, the word “dating” isn’t even a part of their lexicon. Sure, they will go out for dinner and do fun activities, but it’s not packaged up in a formal and contrived manner.
3. European men aren’t into labelling. Unlike American culture, where there’s almost a rite of passage which takes two people from “hooking up” to “seeing each other” to “dating” to “exclusive”, these labels just aren’t a focus or concern for European men. They don’t over analyze the situation. Rather, the mentality is, “I like you, I want to see you, and if it’s enjoyable, let’s keep seeing each other”. It’s more organic and instead of defining the relationship in order to know how to act, they let the relationship unfold and the label of boyfriend/girlfriend just naturally develops in the process.
4. European men are comfortable with women, which leads to respect for women. Perhaps this has to do with their upbringing, where it’s very normal for boys and girls to play and intermingle together. They grow up developing friendships with the opposite sex and in turn, develop more empathy and understanding of the opposite sex. In American culture, there is a clear segregation of the sexes, boys play with boys and do boy things and girls do the same. Then these boys grow up and are exposed to the opposite sex in an abrupt, often sexualized way. The consequence of this is a lack of understanding of women, a lack of comfort and often, a lack of respect.
5. European men are raised to have great manners. This is definitely seen in how they treat not only women, but everyone around them. There is a courtesy, consideration, chivalry and thoughtfulness in how they act, behave and engage with others. They are also raised with strong family and community values, so there is a sense of responsibility and accountability for others, not just for the self. American culture raises children to be fiercely independent and to look out for ‘number one’. This breeds a generation of men who have habits of looking after their own needs versus the needs of the collective.
6. Europeans don’t get their sexual education from porn. For example, in the Netherlands, comprehensive sexuality education starts at age four. In America, sexual education is not taught until one hits their teens, if they are taught at all. The topic is still taboo and filled with shame. It’s no surprise that American men are left to their own devices, subconsciously learning about sex through porn and the media.
“Many American men are getting their sexual education from porn.”
7. European men do not “ghost”. Instead of cruelly dismissing someone by disappearing, they communicate that they are not interested. Again, this comes down to respect and manners.
8. European men have a different perception of beauty. As the media in Europe is a lot more heavily monitored, Europeans grow up surrounded by media and images of women who are curvy, comfortable in their own skin, and sensual (versus overly sexualized). The latest law passed in France where excessively skinny models need to prove their health is a testament to that. But when you’re surrounded by American media, filled with Barbie dolls, waif skinny models and Baywatch breasts, the idea of what ‘beauty’ is becomes skewed.
9. European men have a quiet confidence, a demeanor that doesn’t need to scream out loud to prove themselves. The American way is loud and even arrogant at times.
10. American men like to date around. The dating culture involves trying out many different options at the same time. Call it the revolving door or hedging – there’s the idea in the American approach to dating that there’s always something better around the corner. With European men, if there’s mutual interest, they keep seeing that person and don’t keep hunting for better options simultaneously. The dynamic may or may not move into a serious relationship, but they are not trying to gather other options or back up plans in case it doesn’t.
11. European men don’t play games. Nor will they freak out when discussions of commitment or future come up. Americans (both men and women) have been socialized to play games, to act unavailable, to wait a particular amount of time before texting back… There are a set of ritualized rules that are abided by in American dating culture, and if you don’t play within them, you are labeled as desperate or needy or undesirable.
So does this mean the only hope for a happy, committed relationship is to move to another country? Not at all. As mentioned above, the observations summarized above are not really about where one is born, but rather a mentality that is influenced by societal and cultural values. We must be aware of our own behavior in the dating game, because we are active participants in how we are treated. We must take a look at who we are drawn to in the first place, and why. If you keep attracting (and are attracted to) men who are emotionally unavailable and who treat you poorly, then it really doesn’t matter if your dating prospects are from France, New York, Vancouver or Mars – the shift needs to occur within you first and foremost. In fact, you may be experiencing attractions of deprivation, where you try to recreate the issues from childhood in your romantic partners. To find out more, read this article on “Why Do Good Women Pick the Wrong Men.“
To learn more about how to change old relationship patterns, and how to create healthy ones, join my 2-hour Live Workshop on Sunday, April 25 where I’ll guide you step by step on how to become more secure in your attachment, manage emotions and our reactions to pain and create healthy relationships. Get your ticket here.
What Posting Inspirational Quotes Really Says About You
This is why feminism exists. To get rid of dicks like ElDick lmao
Wow I’ve always loved American men started with donny Osmond ha ha wow I hope it’s true about European men they are lovely australia men are much to be desired macho loud mouths think more of their male friend’s then their wives an girlfriends there ugly in and out!
I’m an American woman, my parents are of mixed races and are immigrants to the US, and I’ve lived (not visited, but LIVED) in 4 other countries. 2 of those countries were Australia and the UK. I had a serious BF who was German, one who was French, and one who was Scottish, as well a few casual dates with an Italian. I married a man who is American (from the mid west as a matter of fact!) but of Indian decent.
Since we are speaking in totally widespread generalities (and acknowledging that of course there are some nice guys and some dick-heads in all countries) I’ve got to say that my experience was almost entirely the opposite of the author’s. With the exception of the Scottish guy, pretty much every man I dated in the UK and in Australia would qualify as an alcoholic. The drinking culture was so ramped it prevented most dates from becoming relationships. In the UK I found men to be beyond awkward, and totally unable to make eye contact or speak to a woman unless he was drunk. And the only men who ever opened doors for me or used pleasantries – they were all Americans.
#1 “European men aren’t just aiming to score” – I have found zero difference in the percentage of men who want to hook up vs the percentage of men who want a relationship. This seems to be a universal trait that has nothing to do with country of origin.
#2 “Europeans don’t date” – again I would bring up the drinking culture and say that a lot of Europeans – especially Brits and Germans – seem to think that getting drunk and hooking up is a date.
#3 “Not as fussed with labels” – you might be right. But again, this is because they like a girl, don’t know how to talk to her, get drunk and hook up with her at an office party, and then just move directly to BF/GF phase. I’m not sure that’s my ideal for how to start a relationship.
#4 “Europeans have more respect for women” – this has got the by far the most laughable point on this list. Have you been to Europe? Which country exactly are you talking about? This would probably be true in Scandinavia, but Italy, Spain, Greece, anything French speaking or south of Germany, and anything that used to be part of the Eastern Block — are nuts!! They have crazy gender rolls, and machismo that is out of control. No way in hell the majority of these countries are more respectful to women. I don’t think American men are perfect, and we have plenty of misogyny that is linked to capitalism and the workforce, but as far as relationships and domestic rolls, I think the US is in the top 10 of countries that have respectful and partner-based relationships.
#5 “Europeans have better manners” – nope! Americans say please and thank you so much, and we call bartenders and bus drivers “sir” and “ma’am” – this is is actually why people think we are the country bumpkins. We are overly polite to strangers. And we are very chatty. Europeans avoid eye contact and don’t usually talk to strangers.
#6 “Europeans don’t get their sex ed fro porn” – I totally agree!! American’s, especially the frat boy mentality, seem to think that porn is sex ed.
#7 “European men do not ghost” – yes they do. At probably the exact same rate as American men. This one is a tie.
#8 “European men have a different idea of beauty” – dude you really need to list specific countries. Because Italy and Spain are much more curvy, but France is a very skinny country. All of them are fairly sexual cultures (and I mean that as a compliment). But northern Europe is not sexual at all. They are afraid of being sexy, acting sexy, being accused of sexual things – which is probably why they feel they need to get drunk in order to have sex. Heaven forbid they try it sober!
#9 “European men have a quiet confidence, American men are loud and arrogant” – I would argue that American men have been the most consistently polite and the most consistently confident group of men (tied with Canadians) I have ever met. But yeah, Americans are indeed loud. We actually speak from a different part of our throats – like theatre actors – so we project more. We literally speak at a louder desepol than other english speakers. We also over enunciate our Rs, so our accent sounds more harsh. I don’t know if we are more arrogant, but we tend to be more direct (which can be seen as rude). I think this trait is equal in American women and American men.
#10 “American men like to date around” – I would say that all American’s date around. I don’t know if we like it. We all seem to hate it. But we do it. Unfortunately we are the primary creator of pop culture and this trend is now pretty normal everywhere. It might be crap. It might even have started in the US. But you are crazy if you think it’s not happening in Europe.
#11 “European men don’t play games or freak out about commitment” – Haha ha ha ha ha!! That’s funny. Men are men in every country!! And to be fair, women in every country play their own games too.
My massive wide sweeping generalization is this: The biggest difference between dating in the US and dating int eh UK or Australia is drinking culture, immediately followed by sport, and a shocking number of Australian men are proudly racist and homophobic (especially as they drink). The US is full of men who are more likely to have moved away from their parents and their home towns and have established a level of independence that I find attractive. The men here make eye contact. They tell me I look nice while they’re sober. And they aren’t dripping with cologne or machismo. I know that good men exist everywhere, but I didn’t do a good job of detecting good men over seas. Here in the US I can spot the good ones, and I can dodge the jack asses. Finding love is hard no matter where you are.
Hahahaha!!
You talking about UK. They don’t even consider themselves Europe. And you’re with an Indian now.
Your opinion doesn’t count
I could not agree more. I am from the Netherlands and sex education at the age of four?? Where do they get their information from?
I have not dated American men, but all your points about European guys are spot on.
Northern Europeans are not sexual at all???? I thought that Scandinavians like Germans or Swedish are Sex Crazed people since they also have free sex than people from Southern Europe who tend to be more religious???? They also exchange wife or husband for free sex in Northern Europe but in countries like Italy, I tend not to see that kind of activity.
Your post is a joke and you have no clue what you’re talking about; first of all, Australia is not Europe ?? And Britain is by and large extremely culturally different than most other countries in Europe outside of the United Kingdom. The only reason men are ever nice to women in the United States is when she is way out of their league, when the guy has a low sense of self worth (i.e. small member/bad in bed), when the he has spent enough platonic time with the girl to the point where the friendship obviously isn’t going to bloom in a relationship, or when the guy is already married with children and interacting with a much much younger girl/woman because then he can project his daughter on to her. Outside of those circumstances we live worlds apart most of the time and my romantic interactions with European men have been by far and away incomparably more fulfilling and enjoyable than those with American men. I feel that my time with American men is wasted and they typically bore me unless they have a high sense of self worth and enough respect for women to actually get to know me, which, you guessed it, ALMOST NEVER HAPPENS !!! And when it has, it’s been because that man was raised biculturally in the United States, or he spent a significant amount of time in a European country outside of the UK. Or both! Never have I ever met a decent, intelligent, respectful American man worth my time. I’ll stick to the Germans, thanks….
Wow not biased at all
TLDR:
#s 1-11: European guys are so mature; American men are adolescents.
I have to disagree. I am an American that has dated in Europe. I think manners, and objectives depend on the person.
Jeez. All these comments make me want to not dare American or European or anyone at all. People like Jen made me realize how racist Americans are to Asian people. And articles like this are very confirmation biased leaning that it’s almost too good to be true. Fuck being Asian American sometimes I swear…
Let the UK, and the English speaking countries join together. I love the UK. She is our mother(America). Anyone who threatens them(UK), or us(America) should pay a heavy price. Europe is dead. There are no men left in Europe. As sad as I am to say it: European men have become women, and Muslim men have become your masters. We in America still have the second amendment right of the American Constitution to bear arms. We will not allow our country to be taken over by a group of people who believe we are infidels. We will throw you out!
OMG!!! I can’t believe you said that. I’m shocked.
P.S. I live in USA, but not in a redneck area.
I think that the reason why Americans have a “whore” mentality or a culture of prostitute or tend to do hook up just like the junk food culture and they tend to be rude is because they don’t really have a strong traditional culture so they tried to invent something new or a new culture that does not always have a positive impact to the society. Even worse is that they have a robot-like mentality such as the goal-oriented mentality in which they value friendship very little but they value benefits from relationship with others more than anything else just like they value their job so much to the point that they work for many hours and have almost no time to cook or do not spend more time with their family members to form a closer ties with their family. It’s very artificial and does not seem very natural or normal for those from the Old World with stronger culture and stronger family bond. No wonder why many are also very fat and kinda rude. This is why in Europe, we tend to refer them as the wild west people or cowboys or yankees. Traditionally, Europeans tend to see the far west as being wild and backward similar to like the wild east like Russia or Siberia. In the past, they tend to say that if you go to those places then it’s almost like you totally got out of human civilization or going to a no man’s land since traditionally, the developments in the far west (US and Canada) and in the far east (Russia and Siberia) tends to be poor and many people there are not very civil due to lack of culture. Russia on the other hand, is luckier than US because they have a land connection with Europe and Tsar Peter the Great was inspired by European culture so he lead Russia to a Cultural Revolution which made Russia more like a European country but US did not have a lot of this opportunity due to its more isolated geographic position and the fact that it is a newer country. This is why Americans had replaced the normal culture of their European ancestors with the sub culture and sometimes things do not go in the right direction. This is also why negative stereotypes against Americans as being rude, gang-like, crazy, fat, uncivilized, racist, whore, noisy, confused, keeping high profile and working for many hours or seeing relationships for benefits rather than for friendship is very common throughout the world and not just in Europe. I think that this is also why they got more dirty businesses that do not care about people’s health like the fast food businesses which are still thriving. All they want is money and they don’t care about their consumers’ health. What a shame!
The conclusion is that in the eyes of many Europeans and others, USA is like a very beautiful modern tall building or cake but inside itself, it still lacks many important basic foundations or it’s base or foundation is kinda rotten or weak. Sometimes their laws are overly strict because they don’t understand the meaning of traditional culture so therefore, they are not forgivable human like people who still show mercy and forgive others and they don’t also understand that laws are not everything so there has to be some exceptions too in the society but not like this. For instance, an unarmed black man was killed for no reason or because the American officers are overly strict. Another example is that there was an old lady who does not have a ticket to ride a bus while she is not feeling well but despite that, the american bus driver yelled at the old lady and did not allow her to ride the bus while others are just watching and ignoring the incident. That’s pure madness and insane! They must be mad or something. Insanity is really a problem in the US in these days and it seemed like it’s getting worse year by year.
PS: Anyway, the real legitimate American culture is the Native’s culture or the Indigenous’ culture that had existed in north America for thousands of years. That is the real American culture. Period.
I am American women brought up with Eastern Europe Manners with attire and class also attitude raised in old horse buggy town in Michigan. Feel even women should be lady se well groomed be oriented and not be slutty. But lady by day vixen by night. Some American women have class not all do some have to learn there self learn from books or videos. Just that one act trashy expect to be used. Not all American men are players but a lot are only few good men. I was with Canadian American man was very oriented. It depends how one is. It’s rare to find class but we need it back whip American men in shape. I’m only 32 educated live 1950s lifestyle to Victorian with BDSM. Need a good classy refined man a thrown together lives in a shack.