Things You Need to Know if You Want to Date a Croatian Girl

by croatiaweek
January 14, 2016
in Latest

By: Nika Bogdanić

Croatian women are world known for their beauty. So if you’re planning to visit this geographical area, have moved here or you encounter a Croatian woman somewhere else not falling for her is highly unlikely…

We’re also famous for our temper so if you’re trying to win a Croatian girl over make sure to consider the following advice.

UPDATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON GENERAL CULTURE AND THE BALKANS

Croatians have quite an impressive general knowledge. Coming from a small country we had to learn several foreign languages and among many other things geography and history of the entire world. You probably didn’t have to learn as much about our little country, however, don’t make the classic mistake of having no idea about the Croatian culture and history. Don’t put us in the ‘Eastern European box’, there are many countries in Eastern Europe and we’re not all alike (e.g. Ukrainian culture differs quite a bite from ours). Don’t say something stupid about Yugoslavia (there are still people who think Yugoslavia exists – knowing some basic facts is a must). Our vast general knowledge makes us a bit cocky as well so make sure to have your facts straight before confronting a Croatian girl on a certain subject or you might get schooled.

MAKE AN EFFORT TO LEARN A FEW WORDS IN CROATIAN

Yes, our language is difficult. Yes, our names and surnames seem impossible to pronounce. No, no one ever pronounces them correctly (even the sports commentators repeatedly make mistakes while pronouncing Croatian players’ names). And yes, it bugs us a bit. However, it is very much appreciated when people make an effort to say something in Croatian. Plus, having an accent (which is impossible to avoid for foreigners trying to speak Croatian) is intriguing and very attractive, so you’ll get some extra points there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUsSFv0AgV4

PASSION ABOVE ALL

We’re passionate people. Passionate in everything we do. We’re passionate about music, about politics, about relationships. We’re passionate when we love. We’re passionate when we hate. And what we dislike the most is non passionate people, so if you’re one of them it might be quite hard for you to impress us. And even though we fight passionately, we make up even more passionately so it’s well-worth the fight.

WE’RE HEDONISTS AND WE ENJOY THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE

Life should be all about enjoying it. Therefore, we like to eat well, we like to drink well and to enjoy life as much as we can, even if it means not working too hard sometimes. If you take a walk through Croatian downtowns during working hours you might be surprised by the amount of people in bars and restaurants. Dating a Croatian girl has no room for being stingy. Also, in Croatia we don’t go Dutch. Never. Ever. And it’s not about men having to pay everything. Women pay, men pay, it doesn’t matter, as long as we don’t go Dutch (it’s really looked down upon). And there’s quite a simple explanation for it: you have coffee/go for dinner or drinks with people you like – so if you like them you also like treating them, and they like treating you. That works whether you’re dating or not. So as long as you don’t suggest splitting the bill you’re good.

Never go ‘Dutch’

TAKE INITIATIVE

A scenario in which a Croatian chick approaches a guy, asks him out on a date or makes a first move is highly unlikely. Even though we’re open-minded we still have this traditional trait and the guys are the ones to make the first move. Even if we have a crush we can wait for months rather than making the first move, so make sure to take initiative or you might end up waiting forever.

SHOW RESPECT

It’s very important that you show respect. Being disrespectful is a turn off everywhere in the world, however, we’re extremely proud of who we are, of our country, of our culture and history. Showing admiration is a plus, but do it moderately, or you might come off as a sleazebag.

HAVE PATIENCE, THINGS TAKE TIME IN CROATIA (THE “POMALO” SYNDROME)

There’s an expression in Croatian that applies to every single aspect of life and is probably the life motto for most of us. “Pomalo” means little by little or take it easy. Having coffee takes hours, going out for a drink takes hours, getting to the part where you kiss after a great date takes time etc. Don’t rush things, there’s no hurry, pomalo ☺.

SHOW SOME CHARACTER

We are people of strong opinion. We tend to think we know everything. However, we like confrontation and hearing other peoples’ strong opinions as well. The worst thing you can do is agreeing to everything we say, it will show a lack of character and we’ll lose interest. We’re stubborn as hell but there’s something darn attractive about finding someone who can give a valid argument and make us rethink our statements.

Rakija

HOLD YOUR LIQUOR

Croats drink a lot. And I mean a lot. And not just wine and beer. A lot of spirits. In fact I’m quite sure the Croatian liver is a special super strong kind of liver. Showing some knowledge about the drinking culture in Croatia is a plus. You have to know what rakija is and you have to know how to drink it. If you can’t hold your liquor do some practicing or pretend you’re drinking with a half full glass at all times, otherwise you might strike a Croatian girl as a wuss.

Now that you’ve learned a few things you should pay attention to, get the courage to ask that cute Croatian out. Good luck!