Indian Dating

India is a country shaped by tradition observed for more than 5000 years. Some things may have been changed but the core practices are still the same. These traditions have molded their way of life from the day they are born until the day they die. Even with immigration, they still observe most of these practices and will do as much as they can to adhere to these practices. These traditions have ensured the continuity of their culture and their identity. This is even more important especially when they are already in a different land. Their kids may already be born and raised here but their tradition will still be the same – and that includes dating practices.

Technically, “dating” in Indian culture is almost non-existent. The reason for this is that the Indian culture believes in arranged marriages. Parents often look for a suitable partner in behalf of their kids. They don’t need to consult what their kids are thinking; the parents agree on their own terms and set the date for marriage. The Indian culture doesn’t also provide restrictions for marrying age. You could be married to someone you haven’t even met on the day of your wedding during your early teen years.

Mixture of Western Culture

Until today, India still practices arranged marriages with a little twist. Because of technology kids already know the trend in Western culture wherein everyone is free who they want to marry. They would have this inclination but they know they can’t just stare down a 5000 year old tradition just to get married to anyone they want. They should also think of their parents who might have a hard time understanding why their kids should be left alone in selecting a suitable partner. Parents still knows best and in Indian culture, they have all the rights in selecting a suitable partner for you.

That is where a compromise that usually happens. Instead of parents as the only decision maker for the right person to marry, the son or daughter is allowed to participate in the selection process. By admitting the roles of their sons and daughters in the selection process, they are still practicing the tradition why letting their kids have a healthy freedom in selecting who they want to marry. There may be some disagreements but in the end, there will always be a compromise between the parents and their children when it comes to today’s dating practices.

Categories for Selecting the Right Partner

Indian parents consider three factors which will help them select the right person to marry: Religion, Education and Social Status

Religion is very important to Indians. Most Indians are Hindu or Muslims and these religions can’t just be integrated to Christian belief. Hindus are not allowed to marry Muslims and vice versa. There is a very small group of Indians who are Christians but they are very rare and would probably be following the same selection process.

Education is also considered to assure the future of their children. A person interested in dating those with Indian culture should have at least the same if not more educational attainment. In this case you should remember that most Indians are very serious about their education especially when they are in US since they will have the chance in learning from world renowned schools. If you can’t top or at least tie that, you’ll have a hard time convincing her to go out with you.

Last but not the least is the social statues. Unfortunately, the caste system is still “silently” observed. There are still the “untouchables” wherein they are the descendants of the original “untouchables”. Parents don’t want to end up with untouchables because they think it will destroy their family name.

Online Dating Websites

Even with these restrictions you’ll still be able to find a lot of websites geared towards Indian dating. Some websites might only admit Indians but most websites doesn’t really provide explicit restrictions on who can sign up. If you’re not an Indian and you’re religion is not Hindu or Muslim, you may have a hard time finding an Indian date but you will not be prevented from posting your profile in their website.

Even with the proliferation of Indian dating websites, these websites are still used for traditional purposes by most Indians. Instead of looking for someone they like, they are most likely to look for someone compatible, before anything else. The three factors (Religion, Education and Social Status) are still considered and those who fit the description could be their potential dates. It’s not necessarily marriage but they like to keep their dating practices to those they are compatible with.

On the other hand, there are Indian nationals who immigrated to US that have changed their views. Instead of finding them in Indian dating websites, you can find them in popular dating websites that encourages everyone to sign up no matter who they are.

Challenges in Indian Dating

If you are not an Indian but were able to find a date with an Indian heritage, here are some things you should remember when you are on a date:

Food – if you are not familiar with Indian food, be prepared in trying some of the spiciest food in your life. It’s a fun experience but be sure that your body could take it without feeling any problems in your stomach.

Respect – the best thing to show respect to another culture is never to mention it unless your date wants to talk about it. This is very important especially when you are the male and you’re dating an Indian female. They are very keen of their religion and tradition and as a sign of respect, just keep the things you want to ask to yourself if they don’t want to talk about it.

Keep things light – to avoid any cultural embarrassment; keep your conversation as light as possible. Focus on your hobbies and interests instead of differences. You really don’t have to be conscious on the fact that there is a great difference between you and your date.