21 Things Guys Should Know BEFORE They Date A Latina
LifeBuzz I Culture
Growing up in a Latin household in North America means there is never a dull moment. Trying to fit in with my friends who were eating macaroni and cheese as opposed to my family’s delicious steak with beans and rice made it feel like we were worlds apart. There are about 55 million latinos in the United States today. From Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia and Argentina, every country has its own interesting traditions and quirks that somehow seem to fit in beautifully in the U.S.
As the largest ethnic group in the country, chances are you may end up knowing or even dating a Latina. I may be biased but I find my culture quite beautiful. So if you are planning on asking that special someone out, here are some important things to know and remember when dating a Latina.
You may have primetime television with strong dramas, hilarious comedies, and even mysteries.
Your girlfriend gets all that in one telenovela or soap opera. These one hour series are sacred in any Latin home so either wait till her novela is over to call or sit quietly and watch the show with her. You may learn Spanish quicker than you realize.
Don't try to guess if she's a Pepsi or a Coca-Cola girl. She's neither.
Instead, a Latina can choose from pineapple, guava, lime, mandarin, and mango, among other fruity-flavoured Jarritos sodas.
Don't ever, ever say anything negative about Latin heartthrob Ricky Martin!
North Americans may have fallen in love with his rhythmic, soulful, and sexy music when he sang, "The Cup of Life," at the 1999 Grammy Music Awards. We have been in love with Ricky since he made his debut in the group Menudo when he was just 13 years old.
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Spicy, hot, caliente, or feisty are not words usually used to describe an individual.
Unless, you want to end the relationship before it even starts, don't call her those names. Those are words used to describe condiments, not a woman.
Latinas love to say they are not superstitious but will follow certain rituals, just in case...
And this guy, Walter Mercado, has been telling the Latin community all the dates, food, and colours to avoid for better luck in life.
We don't all look alike and we are not all related.
Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, and many more famous celebrities are stunning, gorgeous women. Thanks for the compliment but we cannot all look live every actress that is popular at the time who happens to be Latin American.
If you want to swoon her with romantic music, you may want to get familiar with this guy.
Luis Miguel is like Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé rolled up into one. His songs literally speak about love like it's nobody's business.
She loves that you want to learn Spanish or at least a couple phrases.
Quoting Terminator's famous and annoying phrase, "hasta la vista, baby," is just not funny. That's as bad as, "dos cervezas por favor."
It's cool that you think Latin culture is interesting.
Just don't ask her if she speaks Mexican. Latin Americans and Spaniards speak Spanish. Not a dialect; not Mexican. We speak Spanish. Just like Americans, Canadians, British, and Australians all speak English. Different accents and distinct slang words but it's still the same language.
Guys that play sports are interesting. You want to impress her? Learn how to dance.
There is nothing sexier and more appealing than a man who knows how to dance. We are not talking ballroom dancing either. Sensuous moves like bachata, salsa, and merengue will make your Latin love interest fall for you that much faster.
Music and dancing are an everyday part of Latin culture.
So don't be surprised that while doing chores or cooking you find your girlfriend blasting her music and dancing to it like she's in the club.
Potato chips are yummy but be prepared to expand your culinary horizons.
Plantain chips by themselves or with a dip are the ultimate snack to munch on.
You call it soccer, we call it fútbol and it's like a religion to us.
She may not call herself a sports fan, except when it comes to the greatest sport ever. Find out her favourite team so you can both wear matching jerseys for the important games. And nothing, I mean nothing is more important than the World Cup.
She loves the game Lotería!
This is the equivalent of bingo but with characters on every card in the deck, not letters and numbers. Don't feel bad if she beats you at it. We have been playing this game for as long as we can remember.
Empanadas come in every flavour like cheese, steak, seafood, and chicken.
Every country has their own version of empanadas whether they are oven baked or fried. Get used to eating this when dating a Latina. And if you can master making them, you will never lose her!
Latinas are extremely close to their families. Hence, be prepared to meet everyone!
There is a saying in Latin culture that a man who refuses to meet his girl's family is hiding something. It doesn't mean you are going to get married, it just means you respect her values and the important people in her life.
It is incredibly rude to point with your fingers in Latin culture.
So don't be shocked if you ask her where someone or something is and your girlfriend responds by pointing with her lips.
You can add one more time zone to your watch.
Latino Standard Time is a whole new time zone. It basically means you need to have the patience of a saint because your girl is going to be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours behind. And if you are meeting up with other Latinos, they get it and won't mind if you're late.
When it comes to dating a Latina, there is no such thing as dressing casual.
Getting dolled up to go to the movies, dinner or even to just hang out means she will take her time to look her best.
We are a passionate and loving people, just don't cross us!
There is such a thing as the Latin eye or the Latin attitude. Your Latina girlfriend does not need to waste her time telling you she's upset. All she needs to do is give you that one look. You know which one we are talking about.
Taking a Tylenol and drinking tea when you have a cold does not help.
Latinas and their families trust Vicks VapoRub with their lives. The mentholated ointment is great to treat colds, fevers, sore throats, headaches, and even muscle aches. When you come down with the flu and she offers to rub some VapoRub on your chest, you know it's real love.