Top Mistakes Foreigners Make When Dating a Filipina

Today, we’re diving into a topic that many of our readers have been curious about: the top mistakes foreigners often make when dating a Filipina.

1. Personal Hygiene

First and foremost, let’s discuss personal hygiene. It’s not just about making a good impression; it’s about feeling confident and prepared for your date.

Being presentable is a must if you’re going on a first date with a Filipina.

This doesn’t mean wearing a tux, but at least ensure you’re clean and smell good.

As a basic requirement, you should shower once or twice a day, use a good deodorant, brush and floss your teeth twice daily, and drink plenty of water to have clear skin.

Remember, hygiene is highly valued in the Philippines, which has high tropical heat and humidity.

Four of the five Filipinas I dated showered twice a day in summer when I dated Filipinas in Australia.

They shared that they put a lot of emphasis on washing and cleaning their lady parts when showering and applying plenty of sandalwood-scented cleansers and moisturisers to make themselves smell pleasant and desirable for their man and themselves.

I describe the fragrance as fresh, green, and subtly woody, with hints of citrus and floral notes.

My first Filipina girlfriend, Lin, was also particularly mindful of her appearance. She always wanted to smell good and wear clean clothes without stains or tears.

During our talks, she also shared some insights about what Filipinas tend to dislike in foreign men and what they like in foreign men with particular appearance, hygiene, and grooming practices in their routine. So, listen up if you want to learn them.

2. Asking Too Many Personal Questions

Next is asking too many personal questions on the first date. Questions like “How many partners have you had?” or “Do you want to get married?” can be off-putting. It’s best to keep the conversation light and fun at this stage.

You don’t know if there’s chemistry yet, so save the heavy topics for later when you’re more comfortable with each other.

3. Sharing Too Much Information

Another common mistake is sharing too much personal information too soon. Talking about your ex, your divorce, or past traumas is not appropriate for a first date. These discussions can come later when you’ve built a deeper connection.

No one wants to hear about your past relationships on a first date; it’s a red flag if someone is still hung up on their ex.

4. One-Sided Conversation

Another thing to watch out for is turning the date into a one-sided conversation. It’s easy to get carried away talking about yourself, especially if you’re more extroverted.

Try asking questions about your date—people love talking about themselves! In his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Dale Carnegie mentions that showing genuine interest is key to building connections.

5. Being Too Touchy or Flirtatious

Another big no-no is being overly touchy or flirtatious on a first date. Filipinas are generally conservative regarding public displays of affection, especially early on. It’s important to read the signals and not rush into physical contact.

6. Arrogance

Arrogance is a huge turn-off. No one likes a bragger!

Sharing how much money you have or flaunting your wealth is not attractive to a Filipina.

It’s better to focus on your character and what makes you a good person rather than your bank account.

Most Filipinas will assume you have money since you’re a foreigner, so there’s no need to overdo it. Focus on genuine qualities instead.

7. Being Cheap

Finally, being overly cheap can be a deal-breaker. While going to a casual place like KFC is okay, constantly suggesting cheap options can be off-putting. Remember, even if you’re spending less than the prices in the West dating, treating your date well is still important.

Ask where she wants to eat and be willing to take her somewhere nice on your third date if she’s interested.

Conclusion

In summary, be mindful of personal hygiene, avoid heavy questions, balance conversations, and respect personal space. It’s important to take things slow and enjoy getting to know each other.