Dating In Belgium: Everything You Need To Know (Tips)

It might be challenging to date someone from another country. After all, various cultures have different notions about what constitutes an attractive partner. What may be considered romantic or courteous in your home country may not be so in your new home country. There are no rules on when you may call a woman your formal girlfriend or invite her to a family meal in Belgium. Belgians take any sort of relationship seriously and can move forward as a couple after only a few weeks of dating. They usually explain the nature of their relationships and are not scared of being criticized. In Belgium, like in other European countries, there are various traditional ways to meet new people. Meeting Belgian men and women in a bar or through friends is still the most popular way to meet someone new. This is especially true in smaller places, where residents are more closely knit and have less opportunity to mix. Given Belgians’ quiet and humble natures, it’s hardly unexpected that the majority of couples meet this way. For most Belgian women, family is extremely important.

So, if your sweetheart has invited you to the family dinner, be sure she is ready to welcome you into her circle of trust. Anticipate nothing extravagant; instead, expect a casual meal in a friendly setting with scanty discussions. Remember to bring some chocolates or a bottle of fine wine to show your appreciation for her relatives. If you want to meet a beautiful Belgian woman, keep in mind that first impressions are crucial. The way the man is dressed is the first thing Belgian women will notice. As a result, your Belgian girlfriend will appreciate your efforts in selecting clothing. It doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a tuxedo for the date, but you should keep in mind cleanliness, tidiness, and a good perfume. When dating a Belgian woman, don’t try to impress her right away or pretend to be someone you’re not. Pretentiousness and sideshow are not tolerated by the typical Belgian woman. It is best to plan ahead of time where you would want to go on a date. Going to the pub where she typically goes on Fridays is not a clever idea since some of her acquaintances may interfere with your discussion and thus ruin your dating experience.

Belgian women are self-assured, impulsive, and self-sufficient. They are also well-behaved and strive to create a positive first impression in every setting. Every Belgian woman must be courteous to everyone she meets and expect the same attitude in return. Also, a Belgian woman tends to be faithful to both her friends and her lover. She will either show or tell you that she does not like something without hiding it. Even though Belgian women are attractive, lively, and extroverted, it takes time and effort for a man to entice one of them. First, a Belgian woman wants to feel secure knowing that her partner would not push her out of her comfort zone. Some seasoned guys even report that getting a Belgian woman to bed is simpler than getting to know her inner being and feelings. Another striking feature is that Belgian women rarely smile in photographs, which indicates that they, to some degree, are rather shy.

Dating practices in Belgium are very similar to those in the rest of Europe. However, if you don’t want to feel nervous on your first date with a Belgian woman, you need to follow certain basic rules, just like you would in any other country. While cultural clichés should always be taken with a grain of salt, there are several characteristics that Belgians are recognized for across the world. Once you start navigating the local dating scene in Belgium, they may become evident. Belgian women are not the kind to throw themselves into the deep end before they know they can swim when it comes to dating or love. In other words, Belgian women take their time to evaluate everything about you, and thus it can take an excessive amount of time to grasp your personality and intentions. Before going out with you one-on-one, single Belgian women will most likely meet you numerous times in the company of common friends or family. Don’t be in a hurry when it comes to showing your interest in a single Belgian woman.

Allow her time to examine you thoroughly. You don’t need to invent the wheel when it comes to the circumstances of your dates with Belgian women. The cinema, theaters, coffee shops, and restaurants are all typical and will do just fine in most situations. If you’re in Brussels, you may go for a stroll through the city or visit one of the many museums. Of course, you are free to use your imagination and plan a romantic dinner at a city viewing point to take in the scenery. Belgian women are conventional and prefer traditional dating customs over some exotic pastimes. Also, Belgian women still admire chivalry and courtesy, so bringing a little gift, like flowers or wine, to a first date can get you brownie points. However, don’t go overboard, as Belgian culture is known for its modesty, and people don’t anticipate extravagant gestures.

Also, there are things you don’t do on a first date – for example, don’t bring Belgian women chrysanthemums, as they symbolize death in Belgium. Belgians are known for being formal and restrained rather than being too emotional or touchy-feely. Strangers are generally greeted with a handshake, while acquaintances are kissed on the cheek. It is customary for Belgian men to shake the hand of the host, as well as everyone else in the room when they are welcomed to a group event or dinner party. They will also kiss the cheeks of women with whom they have a close relationship. The lack of physical contact you may encounter on dates isn’t always an indication of disinterest; it’s simply a reflection of the local culture. Splitting the check is not taboo in Belgium because women are generally independent and eager to pay their way. Women are typically socially and economically empowered in this modern society, with decent pay equality and job circumstances. As a result, men and women are regarded as being on an equal footing. So to impress a single Belgian woman can be just as difficult as in many other European countries like when dating in, e.g., Germany,  France, or Italy.

When it comes to relationships in Belgium, there are no defined guidelines for when to become exclusive or when to introduce your partner to your family. However, because of the country’s straightforward attitude to dating, Belgian women will express it if they desire a relationship or to get married. After only a few weeks of dating, the phrases “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” can be spoken aloud without fear of being judged. In the same way, a Belgian woman will not hesitate to invite someone to a wedding or dinner party after just one date. You will actually find that many Belgian women can be extremely romantic in this regard. One attractive feature of Belgian men and women is that they are unlikely to mess with you or play games when it comes to dating. Keep in mind that this is a society that places great importance on honesty and good manners. As a result, intentionally leading someone on or giving mixed signals is not considered appropriate. Instead, they will let you know whether they are interested in a relationship. And even if they aren’t, you’ll know where you stand.

In general, a Belgian relationship must be fairly established before they ask you to meet their parents. After all, in Belgium, family is very important, and not just anybody is welcomed into the circle of trust. It will most likely be a casual and intimate gathering when you meet the parents because hospitality is highly valued in Belgian society. One thing to keep in mind is that it is traditional to kiss someone on the cheeks three times while greeting them and saying farewell. So six times for one parent and twelve times for the other, assuming no siblings, grandparents, aunts, or cousins to kiss. Belgians, while being a traditional country, are not in a hurry to marry. In reality, the average age for first marriage for males was 33.7 years and 31.4 years for females in 2018. As a result, it appears that most individuals choose to take their time in finding the perfect spouse with whom to start a family. This might explain why Belgium’s marriage rate has been relatively constant, ranging between 37 and 45 thousand between 2007 and 2018.

Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2003, the number of marriages between same-sex couples has remained stable, accounting for 2.5 percent of all weddings in 2017. However, it’s worth mentioning that foreigners marrying Belgians may face additional documentation requirements to obtain marriage approval in Belgium. In Belgium, the number of divorces has dropped since 2008. In reality, in 2008, the country had 35,000 divorces, compared to 22,435 in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of weddings remained relatively constant. In 2008, 45,613 weddings took place in Belgium, compared to 44,270 marriages in 2019. In comparison, 224,700 marriages and 62,300 divorces were recorded in neighboring France. Although a divorce rate would be ideal for calculating divorce rates in Belgium, available data reveals that the average marital duration in the nation in 2018 was 15 years. So, to sum up, there is around a 50/50 % chance of getting married to a Belgian woman if the relationship is serious.

In cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, you can experience numerous interesting attractions, and they are the places to go when it comes to single Belgian women. Meeting attractive Belgian women at clubs, pubs, or through acquaintances is still the most popular approach. However, single men should keep in mind that young Belgian women are typically receptive to making new friends and should anticipate initiative from the opposite gender. Belgium’s capital is justifiably referred to be the country’s most attractive city and heart. It is the primary commercial and educational hub as well as the European Union’s headquarters. If you happen to be in Brussels, there are various public places to suit your needs. In Belgium, first dates typically include visits to cafés, pubs, bars, and restaurants. Parks, exhibits, and cultural activities are also available. A feast and leisure in various public areas is the major form of evening entertainment for Belgians.

The city of Brussels is known for its multiple dance floors and nightclubs. The vibrant nightlife is rapidly evolving that once a certain establishment becomes famous, it swiftly falls out of style and is replaced by another. Many single Brussels women may be found in places like: Madame Moustache (Quai au Bois à Brûler, 5/7); Sunset Club (Rue des Riches Claires, 7), and Zodiak (Rue du Marché aux Fromages, 10). The following establishments are also recommended: Poechenellekelder Bar (Rue du Chêne, 5); Time Out Pub (Rue Auguste Orts, 32); and Le Chou de Bruxelles Restaurant (Rue de Florence, 26). In addition, both the Grand Place and Ixelles locations are excellent for day games. Throughout the day and night, there should be lots of ladies surrounding you. Another option is to meet single Brussel women at shopping malls and areas such as Docks Bruxsel, Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert Westland Shopping, Woluwe Shopping Center, and City 2.

Around the Grand Place and in Ixelles are the major locations for singles nightlife. They’re only a mile or two apart, so get a hotel near one or in the middle, and you’ll have a far better chance of getting a date while you’re here. Many of the city’s best nightclubs, as well as a slew of pick-up bars, can be found here. Moving on to Antwerp, and Bruges, the next biggest cities in Belgium – there are also a lot of places to go. If you’re in Antwerp, check out La Rocca at Antwerpsesteenweg 384, Ampere at Simonsstraat 21, or Roxy at Rijnkaai 1. While in Bruges, you’ll want to visit De Coulissen at Jakob Van Oostsraat 4, Cactus Club at Sint-Andries, Magdalenastraat 27, Ma Rica Rokk at Het Zand 6. These are some of the best nightspots to pick dates in the city of Bruges. If the nightlife in Bruges and Antwerp doesn’t satisfy you, you can always head back to Brussels as distances in Belgium are not that big.