Expert: Garrett Fifer - 11/12/2009

Question
My 12-yr old is doing a project on Columbia South America and is having difficulty finding information on what dating and marriage is like in this country.  Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Answer
Contrary to what you might imagine, life in Colombia is very much like life in the U.S.. The culture is different, but people do many of the same things, they dress mostly the same, and enjoy the same hobbies if they can afford them.

I've dated in Colombia and I've met dozens of other couples and usually they go out to a movie, a restaurant, or go out for a night of drinks and dancing. Colombians love to have a good time, celebrate, dance, and drink. Much more so than Americans. It's just part of their nature and they're very good at it. They do it a lot. Some do like the theater or other events if there is anything going on. In Bogota, where I lived, they were quited cultured and that sort of thing was normal. In other parts of Colombia, local festivals and events in the neighborhood might have more influence on what couples do.

I honestly can't think of too many differences in dating in Colombia vs. dating in the U.S.. One difference however is that men usually pay as a rule. In the U.S. the costs are shared a lot more often. Economic realities also may play a part in what a couple does but Cafes and movies seem pretty universal.

Regarding marriage, well there are some differences. Latin countries are generally more machista meaning that a man generally has more 'say' or perceived authority almost everything, but also in the home and in a relationship. Women seem to accept and conform to this and the roles they find themselves in as a result. They look up to and seem to relish supporting a strong male figure. It is noticeably different from norms in the U.S. were a male figure might be the perceived head of household, but equality in decision making and home matters is typical.

Infidelities do seem more common especially for men, and tends to result in a lot of failed marriages, or not... unfortunately, its almost considered normal.

Sorry for the delay in responding. Good luck!