What are Portuguese Men like - Dating Guys from Portugal

Portugal was during the fifteenth-sixteenth centuries at the forefront of geographical exploration and expansion among all the European nations. Even though the economic gains made then have subsided, the land continues to be a treasure house of artistic, cultural and natural beauty. However if you are more interested in its male rather than natural assets, here is what you can expect of Portuguese men.

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Gorgeous looking

Like other men from Mediterranean lands, Portuguese guys too are mostly endowed with the intense beauty of dark hair and dark eyes. Those living near the coast may even sport the sun-kissed look – all in all, a very appealing proposing if you are looking to spend your vacation with a gorgeous hunk. In fact the bronzed look is quite prized here for it implies that you have both the time and money to acquire a tan. Add to all these, their full-bodied accent and their charms may simply be too overwhelming to resist.

Fiercely proud of their culture

Like many other countries with bigger neighbors, Portugal is often at pains to differentiate its culture from that of Spain in matters of popular perception. Thus if you want to strike off a conversation with a Portuguese guy on the right note, don’t compare his country to Spain or confuse his language or culture with that of the Spanish. In fact in Portugal, there is a saying, “De Espanha, nem bom vento nem bom casamento” which can be roughly translated to mean that “From Spain, neither good wind nor good marriage (will result)”. Historically the Spanish - from Castilla, to be precise – were a recurrent threat to the Portuguese people. There were several battles, either to prevent the Spaniards from invading the kingdom or to kick them out. Even though there are no tensions now, but the echoes of the past can still be heard. So according to the saying, just like the East winds - from Spain - bring storms, likewise, Spanish spouses bring trouble.

The man and the sea

A large part of Portugal is located on the coast which is part of the reason why the country emerged as one of the greatest maritime powers in the past. However even though Portugal is no longer a prime naval power, the influence of sea is felt in many aspects of the life of the nation. Portuguese men thus love to go fishing and sailing. Best of all the country is blessed with many lovely beaches where you can swim, surf or simply laze around with your man. However if you really are keen to hang out with the guys of this land, you will have to learn to like the sea as well – no weak stomachs while sailing out or wrinkling your nose at the fishy smell at beaches and harbors. Indeed, fish constitutes an important aspect of Portuguese cuisine. If you go on a date with a Portuguese guy, in all probability he will be happiest if you choose a fish from the restaurant menu as compared to chicken or steak. So brush up your cooking skills so that you know how to prepare fishes like salmon and tuna because in the end the best way to a Portuguese guy’s heart is through his stomach.

Somewhat restrained

Unlike its influence on Brazilian ways, Portuguese culture is slightly more reserved. They do not use a lot of body gestures and are less given to physical contact during social interactions. So do not be overly demonstrative with hand gestures or body language or you will come off as an upstart to your man. When meeting friends, men embrace and pat one another on the back, and women kiss both cheeks. Also if you are introduced to your guy’s friends or family, shake hands with everyone present--men, women and children and again shake hands again when leaving.

Deeply traditional

Portuguese culture continues to maintain strong ties with its traditions. The influence of the Catholic Church and the rural occupations like agriculture and fishing are still felt in many aspects of Portuguese life, even though urbanization is taking place at an increasing pace. Thus you can expect your Portuguese guy to hold rather conservative views about women. When meeting him, try to come in skirts or dresses rather than dressing in masculine clothes. Also Portuguese men appreciate women who are demure, soft-spoken and rather feminine. If you speak loudly, smoke in public or hang out in bars alone, you will come off as aggressive and undesirable to most men here. The traditional basis of Portuguese life means that gender roles are clearly defined here – while the men are expected to work and perform outside jobs like washing the car and fixing the roof, women are expected to take care of the home and family. Indeed in semi-urban and rural areas, women are still expected to walk a few paces behind their husbands. So if you are seriously thinking of dating a Portuguese guy, remember he might hold rather traditional views on gender roles. You may not only be expected to cook and clean for him but also raise kids, go to Church and adjust to his family in the traditional way. However such notions are fast changing and along with greater number of women joining the workforce, more egalitarian attitudes are gradually replacing the old notions.

Family Oriented

The upside of a traditional culture is that family is considered to be very important in Portuguese way of life. Once your boyfriend makes up his mind to be your partner, you can expect him to be devoted to you and family life; however be prepared for him to want to have kids. But for all that to happen, it is important you impress his parents first. Family participation in personal matters is deemed natural here, indeed even desirable. And while you may have to do some homework in order to impress a Portuguese mama, once she welcomes you to the family, you can count on her love and support in future.