After spending years of my life growing up in Greece and dating around, I have accumulated a list of the top 7 things you should consider before dating a Greek!
I have dated from just below my own age, to 15-20 years senior to myself, so I feel I am more than qualified to provide you with my expat, British girl opinion. So sit back, grab yourself a Freddo Cappuccino (or an Ouzo), and a slice of Spanakopita, and I promise you: it is way more good than bad!!
Before we get into this, it's worth stating the obvious! Not all Greek men are the same! We are basing our research strictly on the stereotypes that I have come across. Whilst the more westernised, modern greek man may strongly differ from some of my points below, I guarantee they will fall under at least one of these categories.
In my travels across Greece, I have found myself to be in a total of 2 long-term relationships with 2 very different Greek men. One; a very westernised, younger boy, who lives on the mainland, and dreams to travel around the world, own a sports car, and wear designer clothing everyday, and two; who's 10 years my senior, lives on an remote island, works as a farmer during the winter, and has seasonal jobs during the summer, is extremely traditional and has very strong beliefs. (Not to mention, his love for his mamma!). So its fair to say, I have quite the mixed review on dating a Greek.
If you have any opinions that differ from my own, or would love to share an experience of your own, feel free to comment it below, or send us a message. I would LOVE to hear from you!
Now that's enough waffling, lets get into what you clicked on this page for!
Greek men are very sociable!
In Greece, hanging out in a cafe until the early hours is normal. Even on weekdays! This is why you will often see small cafe's, even in the remotest areas, surrounded with locals, open til 2am. It is a welcome change from the UK in which people tend to live for the weekend. Greeks like to live for everyday. Why wait until Saturday to see your friends when you can see them at 2am on a Tuesday?!
Mamma knows best!
Greek men (especially the more traditional), are very close to their mothers. Greek mothers take special care of their sons and do everything they can to make their lives comfortable. Whilst this may seem cute when they are a child, its not so cute when they are 30 and then expect their wife to take over. Mothers usually cook and clean everything for their sons so be prepared to show him a thing or two, if you don't wish to be his personal chef and cleaner for the rest of your life! Be prepared to be the second most important woman in his life. Even if his presence is psychically with you, frequent calls from his mother, will highlight is this disturbing over-dependance from both sides of the family!
Something i realised when dating was that whilst the love for his mother is extremely cute (i mean who doesnt love seeing a big beefy man love someone so much his heart hurts!), it defintely raised a few eyebrows when i informed him that i wished to work full time too (as two incomes is always better than one in the greek economy!), and that dinner would not always be cooked, and he may have to iron his own clothes. Whilst this luckily wasnt a deal breaker in our relationship, its definitely something i've never had to raise in any of my previous relationships dating an English man!
Woman do the cooking/cleaning
With this being said, in the more remote areas of Greece, where old traditions are kept alive, it is expected of the woman in the relationship to do the daily cookingand keep the house tidy. It is common for 30 year olds to live with their family, who like mentioned above, are taken care of by their mothers. They are brought up to be so dependent on their mothers that when they then move on to living with their spouse (if ever!), they aren't as domesticated as they probably should be!
NOTE: If you are currently dating a traditional greek man, and he knows so little as how to boil an egg, KEEP HIM!
Greeks love Love (and will always treat you well!)
Greek men are big lovers. They love to spoil their woman. This can be with anything from compliments, to gifts. They show their affection in many ways.
It can be from spending time together, physical touch or gift giving. It is extremely rare that a greek man will ever let you pay for the date, and will always make sure you get home safely. At first it may just be between the two of you, but once you have met his friends and family, he will often boast his love for you to everyone that will listen.
Greeks are very proud of their culture!
Whether you are from Greece yourself, or are an expat from elsewhere, Greeks will always want to proudly show off their culture to you. Don't expect to be taken to a big chain restaraunt on a date, expect to be taken to a local event in the village, where you can eat good food, drink cool drinks, and dance to traditional Greek music.
One my first date with my Greek mountain man, i was taken to a local village Paniyiri. This is the epitome of a locals Greek summer island experience. I was the only tourist there, and danced the night away with many many locals, ate amazing food, and drank 1 too many Mythos!! Its a memory i will cherish forever!
Meeting the parents is serious business!!!
With many of the more traditional greeks, the success of your relationship is dependent on his parents approval of you. It can take time for a greek man to introduce you to his family, especially his mother. It is important to note that this is not a bad thing. Meeting the parents in greece is more of a 'seal the deal' type of love. If he introduces you to his parents, he is extremely serious about you, and sees a future together.
If you feel you are wanting to meet his parents, maybe ask him some questions about the likes, dislikes and qualties of his family. Its no surprise that his mother will cherish the ground her son walks on, and so you will have to 'woo' her to even stand a chance! Get to know everything from her favorite food, and express interest in making it, research her politcal opinions or religious beliefs, and if you dont already, definitely try to learn some Greek so you can communicate and express your commitment to her son.
You are guaranteed a loving family! (sometimes too loving!!)
Coming from an extremely small family myself, adopting my greek family is truly a blessing. (even if it is loud and chaotic at all times!! It is loud and chaotic, but filled with love!)
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