Scandinavian Dating Rules
September 2, 2018
Top Stories
For foreigners in Denmark, dating is no simple task. One must be familiar with Scandinavian culture and understand the societal rules.
Danes do not date in the traditional way that most of us are used to. They skip the phase of flirting, and are very direct in sharing the way that they feel. When it comes to romance, every person is different of course, but knowing more or less the unwritten rules of Danish dating can go a long way if you are looking for love here.
For starters, it is important to know that alcohol is seen as your friend. The chances of meeting someone are highest at a bar, where Danes are found to be most sociable in such a setting. They usually loosen up after their third beer, marking the start of the night for them.
Many Danish bars have long tables that can be shared by more than one group, which is the perfect time to spark up conversation and meet some new people.
While in most countries it is the male that is expected to make eye contact with the female, here both girls and boys make the first move. In Denmark, it is in fact quite common for women to make the first move, partly due to the fact that the society is built on an egalitarian model.
A fancy dinner will not impress a Dane, so no need to break the bank. Danes in fact, don’t appreciate dinner for a first date, feeling as though it’s taking a big risk at being stuck at a table for too long in an awkward silence and expensive bill. They prefer more creative ideas, like a picnic at the park or a walk around the lake. Just make sure to bring beer.
It’s also important to find the right balance between not being too stingy, while also not being too generous. Men should not insist on paying the bill, and women also should not expect too much. It is common in Denmark to split the bill.
And while Danes are stylish, they rarely wear fancy clothes, so there’s no need to overdress for your date. They know how to perfectly combine style with comfort.
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