Love in Mexico

Hola, By no means is chivalry dead in Mexico; maybe men in the United States should take some notes on traditional love in Mexico as Valentine’s Day quickly approaches. 

In Mexico many different traditions guide in dating and relationships.  Younger people in large cities are much more influenced by surrounding countries like the United States, and people in more rural areas often hold traditions of Catholic values and customs of the traditional Mexican Families closer. 

Traditionally a relationship starts with the man pursuing a woman they are interested in.  The man asks for the first date and typically plans the date. 

 Dating traditions called “piropeo” and “la serenata” are common in Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries.  “Piropeo” are flirty comments made to women showing affections and interest like “mi amor,” my love, and “guapa,” beautiful or lovely.  “La serenata” is a tradition where a man shows up at his love’s home with a mariachi or guitarist to serenade or sing to his interest.  The man continues to sing until his love interest comes out to meet him.  A woman traditionally lives with her parents until she is married, so if the family does not like the man outside singing, they may toss water on to him to make him go away.  Needless to say, he gets the message pretty quickly. 

Men in Mexico are expected to be romantic and well-mannered around women and other people.  When a man is dating a woman it is customary to present her with flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals, and other tokens of appreciation as part of his affection.  On a date men traditionally pay for the entire meal and entertainment. 

Couples usually marry after a period of formal engagement that can last several years.  A marriage ceremony is often very religious and then after the traditional ceremony, the couple holds a huge and costly party with friends and family celebrating the love between the two people.

 According to everyculture.com, in 1995, the average age for marriage was 24 for men and 22 for women.  Although in Mexico marriage is all about love and romantics, many Mexicans unconsciously look for a partner who can provide social and economic security. 

Mexicans typically prefer modesty and put a great deal of value on appearance of their partner.  A good looking partner is greatly valued and a well-dressed partner is appreciated.

Mexicans tend to be very romantic and come off as very sentimental compared to Americans.  Mexican men are truly lovers and take extremely good care of their partners throughout the dating process and throughout marriage. 

After finding out how much love and passion is apparent in relationships in Mexico, I am definitely thinking about a possible relocation.

“Lost inside your love, When the two of us are one, There's no place I'd rather be, oh no,

disappearing in your love, Wilder than my wildest dreams”

Lost Inside Your Love by Enrique Iglesias