The meaning of marriage
and being single in Germany has changed radically over the
last few decades. Being single is not a synonym of being lonely
any longer. Contemporary German women no longer dream of their
knight in shining armour and wish to retain their independence.
German men don't search for women they can shrug off their
housework on, a task which for some time has ceased to be
considered exclusively up to females.
Showing oneself to be independent is the
norm; dinner bills at restaurants are split halfway and
men also receive compliments from women. Most people only
have informal dates or partners before their thirties.
There is no such thing as exclusive places
to go and flirt: the laundromat, the supermarket, bars,
nightclubs, computer chat rooms... Anything goes when it
comes to meeting people.
There are however self help books
that teach you the do s and don'ts of pick up lines. There
are even schools that offer to teach you the art of flirting.
In Germany it would be considered completely
outdated to go for a cheap pick up line such as 'Do you
have any plans for tonight?' Eye contact and good manners
make a far better impression.
You will quickly realize that super macho
behaviour tends to be a turn-off, however it is not to be
forgotten by the males that their partner will almost always
expect gentlemanly gestures, such as opening the car door
or being helped into their coats.
A piece of advice for the women: when it
comes going out for coffee be sure to let him pay, if you
know you want to see him again that is! A woman insisting
on paying for her part on the first date is generally taken
to be a turn down. If matters get past the flirting stage
there will still be time to show you are capable of supporting
yourself and are not on the lookout for a sugar daddy.
