Expat Advice: Relationships in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Buenos Aires

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

dating

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

Over the past couple of years, Buenos Aires has become an expat magnet and there are places where they (we) tend to gravitate. Meeting Argentine friends is tough. As lovely as they are, Argentines generally tend to stay with the same group of friends from school and its sometimes difficult to break into a meaningful friendship with people who aren't really looking to expand their social network (which is kind of why the expats tend to stick together). Dating, however, is a different kettle of fish and Argentine dates are very easy to find. From a female perspective, Argentine men are 1000 times more forward than your average Brit and getting approached in a bar several times a night is the norm. Generally, Argentine men are lovely: Very attentive, full of compliments etc. HOWEVER, how genuine it all is, I've yet to work out. Its not unusual to meet a man here and have him profess his undying love 2-weeks later. Most of the time, this isn't really the case which means that an unsuspecting and amorous expat could end up falling quite hard and getting her heart broken a zillion times...but I don't think they're being cruel, its just a cultural thing. Unlike in England, the man will not pull the reins, so it's up to us women to maintain a clear head and put things into perspective if we want to achieve anything long-term with an Argentine man. Another warning is to be careful. Argentine women are very jealous and posessive and after 4 years living here, I'm beginning to see why. Cheating culture is RIFE and a lot of men will lie through their teeth to pull it off. Be careful and ask questions (not introducing you to family, lots of nights out with the boys, working late, and never going back to his place should raise alarm bells)...and please be persistent with the asking (or introduce him to Argy friends for the once-over).

I'm sure sucessful dating can be achieved here...I just haven't had it yet. Good luck...

As for the men...guys do all the chasing here, they pick up the bills etc...all very macho. Argentine women love foreign blokes though so you shouldn't have too many problems (thats if you can cope with the hysteria and jealousy!)

Suerte!

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

Have fun, but be careful!