What are Belgian Women Like - Dating Girls from Belgium

Belgium is a small country in Western Europe with a long history of commercial prosperity and cultural development. The country is variously famous for its diamonds, cuisine as well as being the headquarters of the European Union. To a great extent the advancement of the country is reflected in the status of women who are both empowered and yet uphold many distinctly national values. So if you are planning to know them better, here are few things to keep in mind about Belgian women.

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Diversity of linguistic identity

One of the first things to remember about Belgium women is that you cannot generalize them culturally. This is because of the linguistic diversity of Belgian population. The country is home to two distinct linguistic groups: the first is the Flemish who make up about 60% of the population. They speak Dutch and are settled in Flanders in the northern part of the country. The second major group consists of the Walloons who speak French and are settled in southern region of Wallonia. Other than these two main groups, there is a small number of German-speakers who are localized in eastern Wallonia. In fact the administrative region of and around Brussels, the capital city of Belgium is officially bilingual is a mostly French-speaking enclave within the Flemish region. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government which has a markedly federal structure. Being aware of the political and linguistic diversity of Belgium will not only help you make a good impression on your female friends here but more importantly help you to avoid any embarrassing faux pas caused by their political or cultural leanings.

Neat and orderly

Despite their linguistic diversity, Belgian women share some important traits which are part of the national character. And one of these is their love of neat and orderly way of life. You will find both men and women here speaking softly and politely. Being courteous to all and awaiting your turn in all interactions of civic life is very important in Belgian society. So when taking out your Belgian girlfriend make sure that display a calm and polite demeanor. Do not lose your temper and get abusive, no matter how severe the provocation. At such times, you may even get a “judging look” from the people around; this not so much because they dislike foreigners but because they are very keen on good manners in public places. Also take pains to dress up neatly when going on a date with a Belgian woman. Don’t be under the impression that sporting a two-day stubble and crumpled tee-shirt will be considered macho. Rather personal grooming and an understated elegance are important ways to impress a woman here. Most of all remember to be punctual. Belgians have a strict notion of time and interpret tardiness as a definite symptom of an unfavorable character. So if you are supposed to pick up your date at eight in the evening, make sure that you are at least fifteen minutes early. And don’t forget to arrive without a bunch of nice flowers.
Women here usually don’t expect expensive gifts at least on initial dates. However flowers are highly appreciated, though remember not to bring white chrysanthemums since they symbolize death.

Fond of food

One of the best parts about socializing with Belgians is that you will have ample opportunities to sample the delectable cuisine here. Belgium is best known for its chocolates, so see if your girlfriend has a sweet tooth. If she does, find out about the stores that stock the finest chocolates in Brussels or Bruges and make a present of those. Your girlfriend is sure to be impressed by your efforts and discerning taste. Among other things that Belgium is famous for are its waffles and beer and you could ask your girlfriend to show you the places where you can sample these.  Yet another aspect of the refined temperament of Belgian women is evident in their table manners. They usually take small dainty bites while eating, perhaps in order to absorb and experience the flavors better. Whatever the reason, when dining with your girlfriend here, don’t wolf down your food in two or three noisy gulps or you will leave your partner horrified. Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal, not in your lap. Also remember that Belgians are thrifty and do not appreciate waste, so finish all the food on your plate. Above all if your girlfriend is cooking for you, appreciate her efforts sincerely – not only in order to please her but Belgians take genuine pride in their cuisine.

Modern and empowered

Women in Belgium enjoy some of the best living and working conditions. The wage differentials between men and woman are one of the lowest in the European Union, with women earning on average 91 percent of a man's salary. There is only a minor occupational gender gap which is further decreasing among younger generations. Here 67.5 percent of men are employed versus 50.2 percent of women who are working. The economic well-being of women is reflected in their social interactions too. A woman here is self-assured enough to ask a man out if she likes him enough and may even pay for his dinner too.

Traditional values

And yet despite many evidence of economic and social empowerment, Belgian women continue to hold some traditional values close to their hearts. Women for instance marry quite early here, usually in their early twenties and sometimes even in their late teens. So if you meet single women in their thirties, be prepared to find out that she may have been married earlier and now divorced. Sometimes instead of divorcing, couples who are in business together may remain legally married in order to protect the business, while maintaining separate households with new partners.