What it’s Really Like to Date Italian Men

February 27, 2015

Italians have a very particular way of doing things. They are proud of their heritage and love their home country. It’s why their brand is famous worldwide. This may also be what makes Italian men so self-assured when approaching foreign women. Many will basically pick girls up anywhere, anytime. From asking what book you are reading on the metro, to asking if you know where the wine is in the supermarket, to literally stopping you in the street with a moped (yup, happened) they will flirt with you.

Many guys will offer a personal tour of the city, which can be quite romantic if you’re into him. Another popular dating opener is to ask you for private English lessons. A teacher friend of mine got stung with this a number of times. Italian men also have an open-minded and friendly approach to dating. Say he happens to be your boss, or maybe the friend of your ex—if everyone is cool with it, he will take the bull by the horns.

Italians often think that foreign women are just looking for a good time, which is why they are so forward with us. This can have an upside though as they do make an effort to get your attention. Want to know what to expect? Here are some tips:

What’s It’s Really Like to Date Italian Men

How to Deal with the Ex-Factor

Due to this open-mindedness, Italian men are often still close friends with their exes. A girl I know was invited to dinner with her boyfriend’s ex and her family, which she politely declined. I am often invited to stay over with my man in his exes’ homes who live in different Italian cities. It’s totally normal for many Italian guys to have cinema and dinner dates with their exes while dating someone new.

This can be construed as a negative point about dating here. But, it has also taught me to be more open and to trust more fully. My northern European approach to dating and avoiding exes like the plague can look downright cold to big-hearted Italians.

I turned down many advances from my first Italian boss until he finally gave up after I refused to go to the opera with him. What’s It Really Like to Date Italian Men?

How to Turn Down an Italian Man

The boldness of Italian men can make turning them down a bit tricky. I turned down many advances from my first Italian boss until he finally gave up after I refused to go to the opera with him. I was tempted though, the Opera House in Rome is to die for! Still, I didn’t go for it.

My job remained and the situation finally ended, but it had gone on for months. Many Italians have since advised me that it’s best to spell it out in no uncertain terms from the start when you’re not interested. Otherwise, they might think it’s a game of chase.

My friends and I have often been perplexed to find men thinking they are in after a smile and a brief conversation. But it’s all in good fun so it goes with the territory.

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What to Expect on an Italian Date

Italy has a lot to offer when it comes to beauty and romantic hang outs. When an Italian brings you on a date chances are, it will be a memorable one, at least for the ambience alone. I once had an amazing date in a secluded hilltop bar in Rome. My partner wasn’t what I was looking for but the stunning wraparound view of the city lights certainly made for a great night nonetheless!

As for date conversation, English at a good level is not as widespread as you might think in Rome. My friends and I like to hang out in local bars and clubs that aren’t touristy. Many of my friends have started dating guys who they could barely speak to in the beginning! (Hence the English lessons pick up line). But hey, there’s nothing like adding a little mystery to a date…

So, have fun. Romantic and confident Italian men, coupled with the atmosphere and weather of Italy, can make for a pretty magical dating scene.