The document discusses various perspectives on dating customs from around the world. It notes that in many countries and cultures, dating one-on-one is rare and group activities are more common for teenagers. Specific examples include Afghanistan, where arranged marriages are typical and schools are segregated by sex, limiting opportunities to meet; and Central and South America, where large mixed-gender groups often socialize together at dances and clubs on weekends. The document also discusses dating customs in Europe, Iran, Japan, Korea, and some general perspectives on appropriate places for dating.

1. Consider the following
issues
DATING

2. WHAT DO YOU THINK TO YOURSELF
BEFORE YOU MEET YOUR DATE?
•MICHAEL: Sometimes I think, “Damn, I’m handsome, smart, and
charming. If she doesn’t fall for me, she’s probably dense
and blind.” Other times I think “What was she thinking when
she agreed to go out with me? She probably just wants a free
dinner. She probably feels bad for me.”
But I’m becoming more successful at clearing my mind before
a date. I usually stay busy until right before I have to leave,
attempting to go into a date without anxiety. I try not to
judge myself or judge my date as either prettier than me,
dumber than me, or more desperate than me.
If I go into the date without expectations and let things flow
effortlessly, everything usually goes smoothly. I can then be
more honest about whether or not we have a connection and
we can mutually decide whether we want to see each other
again.
•ILANA: I case the joint for emergency exits, make sure I have a girlfriend
scheduled to call me 30 minutes in should I need an emergency exit,
pray to God I have not made a bad decision and am about to meet
someone unsafe, order a drink, pop a TicTac and hope for the best.

3. WHO PAYS FOR A FIRST DATE?
MICHAEL: It depends. If I ask her out, it is my
responsibility to pay. She agreed to go out with me
and I want to show my gratitude and treat her
gallantly—I want her to know that I am a
gentleman, but I also don’t want to seem like I am
just trying to “win” her.
If she asks me out, it is a trickier situation—
especially if she chooses the restaurant. I may
not be able to afford it. I’ll make sure that I have
enough to cover the tab, but I think she should offer
to pay her portion. Then, I can tell her not to
worry about it. If she insists, I don’t stand in her
way. Instead, I say that I will buy ice cream/coffee
after dinner—this stops the fight over the bill and
guarantees a dating continuance.
After the first date, it is dependent upon more
factors; it becomes more complicated. Footing the

4. DO YOU DRINK ON A DATE?
MICHAEL: I don’t drink. I am a recovering alcoholic. But I don’t
mind if my date orders something while we are out. It truly
doesn’t bother me. If it did, I would tell her. Last night, I went out
with someone who ordered a vodka tonic. I ordered a diet
coke. She asked why I am not drinking and I told her the truth,
without trying to shy away or hide.
It didn’t seem to bother her. And if it did, c’est la vie. It’s better to
get it out in the open on the first date than the fifth. But if you are
going out with an alcoholic, I suggest that you respect their disease
and don’t drink—at least on the first date. It is just more
respectful.
ILANA: I am a very lightweight drinker. Two cocktails and I do not
have a clear ability to make the right decisions. I generally stay
away from drinking until I know the man, feel safe, and can relax a
little. On a first date one glass of wine is my limit and I will nurse it
over 2 hours. If I am on a date with someone who does not drink,
then neither will I.

5. IS AGE A FACTOR WHEN DATING?
MICHAEL: I have a lot in common with many
women who are much older than me, just as I
have little in common with many women my
age. Maturity is much more important. I
would love to date a 35 year-old woman. I
would also date an 18 year old. Age is not
really an issue.
ILANA: Yes. I cannot relax with a man who is
much younger than me, or one that is much
older than me either. I am really trying to
loosen up on this issue. I would hate to miss
out on a great man because I have a hang up
about him being too young or too old.

6. HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU SPEND ON
A DATE?
MICHAEL: I don’t make much money. If a woman judges
me based upon the amount of money I spend, she is not
someone I should be with. We can eat good food in a
pleasant atmosphere and do something fun afterward all
for under $40 dollars. If Rachel Ray can eat for under $40 a
day, I can certainly charm someone without much
money. The best dates I’ve been on have been the
cheapest. I don’t know if it’s coincidence or not. But when
I spend more money, the date seems to be worse. I don’t
want to buy her, I want to charm her.
ILANA: It does not matter, just have a good time. If he
can’t pay, I can.

7. Dating Customs Around the World
Afghanistan
Dating is rare in Afghanistan because most marriages are arranged by parents, and
schools are separate for boys and girls. The opportunities to meet are rare. Girls
have a 7:00 P.M. curfew, while boys have an 11:00 P.M. curfew.
Australia
Most teens go out in large groups and don't pair off until they are 18 or 19 years
old in Australia. Girls often ask out boys and pay for the date, too. Couples often go
to dinner parties, barbecues, or the beach.
Central and South America
Dating is not allowed until the age of 15 here. When of age, most boys and girls
date in large groups, going out together to weekend dance parties. When not
dancing, teens gather at local clubs to eat and talk.
Europe
Dating is usually a group event in Europe. In Finland, as many as 30 teens may
attend a movie together. Slumber parties are common in Italy and Switzerland,
where teens gather for parties at a home and sleep there when the party is over.
In Spain teens join a pandilla, a club or a group of friends with the same interests,
like cycling or hiking. Dating is done one-to-one and both girls and boys ask each
other out and split the cost of the evening's entertainment.
In Russia dates take place at dances or at clubs where teens eat or chat with
friends. In small towns, teens meet in the streets downtown or gather around a
fountain.

8. •Iran
It is against the law to date in Iran. Teens are separated until
they are of marrying age, then their families introduce them to
each other and sometimes a courtship follows.
•Japan and Korea
In Japan and Korea, most high school students don't date or go
to parties, but spend their time studying instead. Dating begins
in college, when only boys do the asking and pay for the dates.

9. ARE THERE PLACES WHERE DATING IS NOT ALLOWED?
• -a sacred place, -library, -cemetery, and TPS or TPA
ETC… 
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD ONLINE
DATING?
ARE THERE ONLINE DATING USEFUL OR
USELESS ?????