Top Mistakes Foreigners Make When Dating a Filipina

1. Personal Hygiene

First up on our list is personal hygiene. First impressions last, and you should be presentable 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.

With the tropical heat and humidity in the Philippines, hygiene is highly valued.

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

Lin, my first Filipina girlfriend, showered daily. To her, it was important to smell good and look clean, and she also valued wearing clean, soft, stain-free clothes.

Lin, in conversation also raised concerns about her past relationship dating foreigners and gave me the inside scoop of things most Filipinas dispise in foreign men, and if they were not finaically dependant on them they would end the relationship or stop dating the foreigner.

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

Now, let’s talk about one-sided conversations. These are often signs of narcissism, where one person talks only about themselves and doesn’t ask their date any questions. I used to be this guy because I am extroverted. 

A good rule of thumb is to ask questions about the other person. In his famous book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Dale Carnegie emphasises the importance of showing genuine interest in others. It should be a two-way street!

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 braggart! 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 Jollibee is okay, constantly suggesting cheap options can be off-putting. Remember, even if you’re spending less than the prices in the West dating prices, 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.