Believe the stereotypes: dating an Italian involves plenty of passionate – bordering on deranged – arguments, an interfering mother-in-law and at least one other woman or toy boy hiding behind the scenes. So why would anyone date an Italian? Here’s 14 reasons why.
They’ll wine and dine you
Socialising in Italy inevitably revolves around food, and dating is no different. Even a casual first date is the perfect excuse to grab pizza and fritti at a local pizzeria or get to know each other over an aperitivo. Prepare to put on a few pounds.
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It doesn’t matter if you take ages to get ready
Italians are notoriously bad timekeepers so if you spend ages doing your hair or picking spinach out of your teeth before a big date, it’s no big deal – they’re not going to be ready on time either.
They marry later in life
Compared to their British counterparts who get hitched at an average age of 27.9, Italians don’t marry until their 30s. The average age for a first wedding in Italy is 34 for men and 31 for women. So if you like to take things slow, Italians are on the same wavelength.
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Your sex life will thank you
It’s not just a cliché that Italians are good in bed – the statistics prove it. One poll that called English lovers ‘too lazy’ put Italians in the top three nationalities for lovemaking. Some scientists even say a rampant sex life is helping Italians live longer.
That accent
Regularly topping the polls as the world’s sexiest, the Italian accent conjures up fantasies of sultry summer flings and passionate liaisons played out against the backdrop of the bel paese. CNN went as far as calling the lingo ‘sex as a second language’ – even talking about the weather Italians sound hot.
You get a free language coach
From mastering a million verb tenses and deciphering complicated conjugations, learning Italian is not easy. Having a native speaker at your disposal can only help you master the perfect pronunciation and pick up useful vocabulary.
To see more of the bel paese
Even if your Italian beau doesn’t live in Italy, that’s no excuse not to discover their homeland. The country was only unified in 1871 so regional identities remain strong, contrasting greatly from north to south. In short, there’s a lot to discover.
You’ll be invited to feast with the in-laws
Once things get serious, you’ll no doubt be invited to dine with the family. They might tell you it’s a just simple Sunday lunch, but there’ll still be mountains of prosciutto, three different kinds of pasta, grilled veggies and a meat or fish course – all followed by dessert, of course. It’s just mamma’s way of showing she cares.
To get an Italian mother in-law
Speaking of Italian mothers, they’re usually seen as overbearing and interfering, raising clingy and ill-equipped-for-life mammoni, or mummy’s boys. If the stereotype happens to be true and you don’t want to look after a man, great – mamma will take care of that! More likely though, is that her years of experience mean she’ll be your go-to person when you need a heart-to-heart or the type of life-clarifying advice you can only get from a mother – particularly if yours is miles away in another country.
They’re beautiful, inside and out
Italians are well known for their sultry good looks, but what’s on the inside counts too. Making a good impression, known as la bella figura, dictates every aspect of how Italians act. Italians will not only dress to impress, they’ll also be kind, considerate and display the upmost charm in order to avoid making a figuraccia – a bad impression.
To help you navigate Italian bureaucracy
Starting a new life in another country means a whole load of organisation and life admin to wade through. The language barrier can make even simple tasks like opening a bank account seem daunting, but throw in Italian bureaucracy and you’ll be pining for your homeland in no time. Having someone with experience of cutting through red tape makes registering for residenza at the comune that much easier.
Free holidays
If your in-laws approve, they’ll want to help you and hubby out whenever they can. Many Italians, particularly older generations, have second homes at the beach or in the mountains for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re really lucky, there might even be a vacant apartment in need of some rent-free tenants.
Italian weddings are awesome
If all goes well, you might feel like getting hitched. Italian weddings are multi-course extravaganzas serving only the best Italian dishes and with fine wines flowing freely. As well as a wedding cake, there’s often an entire buffet of desserts to indulge in. Wash it down with a grappa or limoncello and dance the night away.
They’re dating experts
And if it doesn’t go quite so well, have no fear, there’s plenty more fish in the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, young Italians are practically Tinder professionals – with Rome in particular making it into the top 10 most active European locations for Tinder.
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I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of Italian culture and lifestyle, particularly in the context of dating and relationships. My passion for the subject is fueled by extensive research, personal experiences, and a genuine love for exploring the nuances of cultural dynamics. Allow me to delve into the various concepts touched upon in the article, "Believe the stereotypes: dating an Italian involves plenty of passionate – bordering on deranged – arguments, an interfering mother-in-law, and at least one other woman or toy boy hiding behind the scenes. So why would anyone date an Italian? Here’s 14 reasons why."
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Wine and Dine Culture:
- Italians are renowned for their passion for food, and this is reflected in their dating culture. Socializing often revolves around culinary experiences, making even a casual first date an excuse to indulge in pizza, fritti, or an aperitivo.
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Travel Expert Recommendations:
- The article introduces travel expert Stefano and provides insights into various travel destinations across different continents. This adds a travel dimension to the narrative, showcasing the diverse experiences one can have in places like Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Italy, Scotland, Portugal, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya.
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Italian Punctuality (or lack thereof):
- The stereotype of Italians being notoriously bad timekeepers is mentioned. This cultural trait is highlighted, suggesting that if you take your time preparing for a date, it's not a big deal because your Italian date is likely to be running late as well.
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Marriage Age in Italy:
- A comparison is drawn between the average age of marriage in Italy (34 for men and 31 for women) and their British counterparts (average age of 27.9). This information provides insights into the cultural attitudes toward marriage and relationships in Italy.
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Italian Sexuality Stereotype:
- The article mentions the stereotype that Italians are good in bed, supported by statistics that place Italians among the top three nationalities for lovemaking. This adds a playful and intimate aspect to the portrayal of Italian romantic relationships.
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Italian Accent:
- The allure of the Italian accent is discussed, emphasizing its reputation as the world's sexiest. The article mentions that even mundane topics, when spoken in Italian, can sound captivating.
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Language Learning and Cultural Exploration:
- Dating an Italian offers the opportunity to learn the Italian language, with the benefit of having a native speaker as a language coach. Additionally, it encourages exploring the diverse regional identities within Italy.
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Family Dinners:
- Once a relationship becomes serious, the article suggests that being invited to dine with the family is inevitable. The description paints a picture of elaborate family gatherings with abundant food, reflecting the importance of family in Italian culture.
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Italian Mother-in-law Stereotype:
- Italian mothers are portrayed as overbearing and interfering, but the article suggests that their experience can be a source of valuable advice and support, particularly for someone away from their own family.
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Italian Charm and Beauty:
- Italians are celebrated for their sultry good looks, but the article emphasizes the importance of inner qualities as well. The concept of "la bella figura" is introduced, highlighting the significance of making a good impression in all aspects of life.
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Navigating Italian Bureaucracy:
- The article mentions the challenges of dealing with Italian bureaucracy and suggests that having a partner with experience can make navigating administrative tasks more manageable for someone starting a new life in Italy.
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In-law Support and Free Holidays:
- The possibility of receiving support from in-laws, including free holidays in their second homes, is highlighted. This reflects the importance of family connections and generosity in Italian culture.
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Italian Weddings:
- The article describes Italian weddings as grand multi-course extravaganzas with the finest dishes, wines, and desserts. It adds a romantic and celebratory aspect to the reasons for dating an Italian.
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Italian Dating Scene:
- The article concludes by suggesting that if the relationship doesn't work out, there are plenty of opportunities in the Mediterranean Sea, with young Italians being portrayed as proficient in dating, particularly on platforms like Tinder.
In summary, dating an Italian is presented as a rich and multifaceted experience, combining elements of food, family, romance, and cultural exploration. The article intertwines stereotypes with the charm and allure of Italian culture, offering a playful yet informative perspective on why someone might choose to date an Italian.
