Brazil is one super-sexy country, and if you’re hoping love is in the air during your visit, you should understand the cultural differences that can make or break a date.
Here are 8 tips on how to date a Brazilian:
1) Making a Move
Show off your samba moves. Photo by ersupalermo.
You’ve spotted a Brazilian hottie, what next? For you girls, the Brazilian man always has an eye on the ladies and is used to making the first move, so a sultry smile will usually do.
Guys have to work harder as it is very rare for Brazilian girls to make the first move and even then it is through a friend. Take the lead from the locals and go in with confidence—fake it if you have to.
Showing off your samba moves is a popular approach if you’re in a club. Otherwise, try practicing your Portuguese. If all else fails, being foreign is usually interesting enough, at least for an initial approach.
2) Best to be Direct?
Kissing in public is acceptable. Photo by dpadua.
The short answer is yes.
Brazilian girls are not shy of telling you what they think, and Brazilian men are used to girls being like that. Brazilians simply don’t play dating games, so there is no need to linger before you approach.
Directness isn’t just verbal in this tactile nation. Public displays of affection (PDA) is common, so you may find yourself holding hands even before the first date.
Kissing in bars is also perfectly acceptable, just so you know!
3) Pre-date Preparation
Appearance matters. Look your best. Photo by yabokz.
For a nation that sells itself on beauty, appearance matters. Guys, pull out all of your best gear. Girls, sexy clothes are the norm, so leave the frumpy frocks at home.
Preening aside, time is a casual concept in Brazil and a 30-minute wait for your date is common.
Double-dating is rare for Brazilians, who prefer to spend time getting to know each other better. Leave the group meet-up idea alone unless your date suggests it first.
4) Perfect Place for a First Date
Brazil’s beaches – perfect first date spot. Photo by phogel.
You’ll be relived to know that dating is a casual and fun affair in Brazil with few cultural differences.
Take advantage of Brazil’s great food, beaches and bars for first-date ideas. Guys in particular should make sure the location allows time to chat, as Brazilian women value friendship.
If in doubt, Brazilians love to dance, and if you’re really stuck, ask your date. They’ll probably love to share their knowledge of their favorite dances.
5) Hot (or not) Topics
Brazil has many beautiful settings. Photo by sameffron.
Many Brazilians have a staunch Catholic upbringing and religious debate is best avoided, particularly on those early dates. Politics, poverty, drugs, the favelas and deforestation are best left alone.
If you want to hit the high notes, talk about family, Brazil’s beauty and the country’s growth. These are good topic as well as is sport, especially with Brazil due to host the World Cup in 2014 (soccer/football) and the Olympics in 2016.
6) Mind Your Manners
Keep your table manners in check. Photo by Morgaine.
Of course you will be on your best behavior, but it is worth knowing that good table manners are crucial in Brazil. You should wash you hands before and after eating, don’t eat food with your hands (even fruit), and always use a napkin.
If you do use a toothpick in public, cover your mouth with your hand.
Language should also be kept in check as Brazilians associate cursing with low-lives and gangsters: not the impression you want to give.
7) Who Pays the Reais?
The U.S. dollar buys more, but Brazilian men are accustomed to paying. Photo by Scorpions and Centaurs.
Your U.S. dollar will give you more buying power than your date, adding an extra complication to who pays.
Guys can rely on the tradition of paying. For girls, it can be trickier. Offer to pick a spot on the basis that you pay, or, if he chooses, suggest splitting the bill and see how it goes.
It’s important your date doesn’t feel indebted. Remember, if you find something to be pricey, they are likely to find it exorbitant.
8) Making the Next Move . . .
Is Brazilian love in the air? Photo by Luciano Meirelles.
Who calls who is tricky the world over. Try and agree what happens next before the date ends. If your Portuguese isn’t hot, email or text might work better.
Subsequent dates usually follow the same pattern as first dates, at least initially.
If you continue to date, you will quickly realize that Brazilians live at home until they get married and are used to getting their family’s opinion on everything, including you.
The living situation can make it difficult to find real private time, but this can be resolved with some imagination and is part of the fun of dating a Brazilian.
With the cultural differences mastered, good luck making your move.
Have you dated a Brazilian? How was the experience different for you? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this, you might also like: Social Media Dating: 10 Do’s and Dont’s.
Main image: Brazil – the nation of the beautiful. Photo by Jemps.
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