Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Successful Dating Across Cultures

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Selfridge]Angela Selfridge
We live in an increasingly interconnected world, and more and more people are becoming involved in serious relationships with men and women from different cultures. These relationships can be extremely healthy and rewarding. If you meet singles on internet dating sites or at special events like speed dating, you are likely to come in contact with potential partners from many cultures. When starting a relationship with someone from another culture, it is important to be mindful of how cultural differences might impact your relationship.
As with any relationship, first and foremost it is important to communicate. Remember that the stressfulness of meeting singles at events and on internet dating sites relies on good communication. Make sure to be sensitive to the fact that it is never kind to mock your partner's culture. However, if you find that you do not understand their beliefs or practices, you should ask your partner to explain them. You might want to ask what the social significance of the belief or practice is, and why it is important to your partner. Understanding your partner's beliefs and culture is an important way to support him or her.
When you embark on a new relationship, you have the opportunity to form a 'new' culture with your partner. You will be able to combine your beliefs and practices so that you both feel represented and cared for in your relationships. If there is a holiday tradition in your culture that you are particularly passionate about, you should explain it to your partner and ask if they will participate in the tradition with you. Forge new traditions, too!
If you do not share a first language, be conscious of problems with translation. Because every culture is different, sometimes the sayings and jokes you find appropriate in your culture will be very offensive or inappropriate in another culture. Be compassionate if misunderstandings around translation arise, and always explain that what you said was not offensive in your culture but that you will not say it again if it bothers your partner. Meeting singles from other cultures is both interesting and educational, and you should carry this new joy into your relationship.
Remember to be flexible. Sharing a relationship with someone from a different culture can be a wonderful and enlightening experience if you are both willing to give and to take. Refusing to do something or saying, "this isn't what we do in our culture" is not the best way to make compromises about differences. Be open to trying new things, and ask your partner to do the same. With solid communication, a little flexibility, and a lot of love, you can enjoy a wonderful relationship with a partner from a different culture.
For information, dating advice and tips on successful dating and [http://www.lovestruck.com/london/]London dating events visit [http://www.lovestruck.com/london/london-speed-dating.html]Lovestruck.com who are a professional dating agency in London.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Successful-Dating-Across-Cultures&id=6603592] Successful Dating Across Cultures

Monday, February 27, 2012

Dating Asian Women In The US

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Gray]Joel Gray
There are some cultural differences between women from different continents in the world. Dating Asian women in certain aspects will be very different from dating women from the USA. Those who are considering it should take into consideration some of the unique cultural traditions of Asians.
For starters, Asians have strong family ties. Even those who have migrated to the US normally carry their family traditions with them. Asian women consider what their families thought in terms of relationships much more than American families do. Although many of the Asians living in the US have been Americanized, some of them still believe that marriage is fixed by their elders. So, if you are serious about dating Asian women, it will be best that you try to get in the good graces of her families first.
They tend to be more conservative in going out on dates, so depending on the person, try to choose a place that is more to her liking. It will be better to let her choose the place to date, so she can be within her comfort zone. If she is the more liberal type then she will be choosing the place accordingly, and that will be a good signal for you on the type of approach that will work well with her.
When you pick her up in her house it will be best to bring some small tokens for her family. In general, people love this good gesture, but to the Asian families this means a lot. Your date will appreciate the small things that you are doing for her family.
As in any culture, Asian women appreciate a good sense of humor. Just be careful on funny anecdotes that have racial slur in them, and remember they are a minority. It is best to be neutral when it comes to these things or better yet try to tell stories where the joke is on you.
Show sincerity in your comments, and try to compliment her without being sarcastic. Try to be yourself and do not over analyze your date. They will want to be treated like anybody else, and it is just a question of limits, which is applicable to any woman Asian or not. Dating Asian women is basically the same as in any culture, but it will be a great help if you know some details in their culture. They will try to clarify this if you have any misconception on it.
For Asians, even when doing business, friendship is above any transaction, unlike in the US where friendship has nothing to do with business. Try to be friendly with her first but be clear about your intentions. Do not expect her to call you after your first date even if you both have a lot fun. She may expect you to do the follow-up and to arrange future dates or meetings. Dating Asian women may not be that different from dating other women, but keeping these things in mind will help you, especially if you fall for a conservative Asian woman.
Discover the unbelievable success you will have with women once you have started to develop the powerful traits of an [http://www.alphamaleunleashed.com]Alpha Male, you will begin to see how easy it really is to approach attractive women anywhere or anytime. Learn to strike up a conversation with beautiful women in any social setting no matter where you are.
Once you begin the journey to becoming the man that every woman wants, to becoming a [http://www.dominantalphamale.com]Dominant Alpha Male you will learn that no woman is beyond your scope of influence and that you can have any women you want, anytime you want. All you need to do is go out and find her!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Dating-Asian-Women-In-The-US&id=6608656] Dating Asian Women In The US

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Pros and Cons of a Cross Cultural Relationship

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela
Dating has indeed become global, and finding a soulmate on that scale can be rewarding if managed well, and conversely, heart-breaking if not. Those who are contemplating on how to find love beyond their physical borders (especially for people who are still single after 40) should weigh the pros and cons of a cross-cultural relationship before getting into one. It is tempting to get into such relationship out of desperation, but to address your personal quest of "how can I find love," you will have to decide whether you can get comfortable with the disadvantages for you to enjoy the benefits of dating expats:
The Pros:
You get to develop interpersonal skills. Learning how to get along with people from entirely different world views will demand tolerance, patience, open-mindedness and willingness to see another person's point of view;
You keep your eyes peeled for international current events. You become more aware of global issues that affect both your cultures. In the process, you become observant and analytical;
You will cultivate appreciation for diversity because you are opening up your senses to another culture's tastes, smells, sounds and sights;
You open up yourself to life's possibilities. You will begin to understand that there is no right or wrong, only perspectives;
As you revel in your new-found joys, you will also have to inevitably accept some realities that you will have to live with for the long-term. You accept this, however, as a necessary bargain on how to find love in a different cultural setting.
The Cons:
You may have to compromise your most cherished beliefs. You will need to meet the other person halfway. You may come to a point where you need to choose between keeping the relationship and letting go some of your cultural prejudice, or staying true to your personality as shaped by your culture and letting go of the other person. Would you give up your Christian beliefs when you marry an atheist?
You may have to entirely make a huge leap of adjustment, especially when the other person does not come from the same region. Religion and politics are usually hotly contested grounds between people coming from the north and people coming from the south. One of the couple may have to acquiesce to the values of the other to maintain harmony in the relationship. For example, are you willing to share the socialist ideals of Europeans from such economies?
You may have to deal with practices that are acceptable in the other person's society but prejudicial to your own. For example, you may marry into a culture that practices, and sometimes even promote, sex-selective abortion. You will have to decide whether this is something you will do for love, or abandon the relationship altogether because you can't let go of your deep-seated respect for life.
How to find love in a multi-cultural setting has its own challenges, but when you learn how to live with these challenges and get them to work in your favor, the effort in dating expats and finding a soulmate is all worth it.
You can get more information on cross cultural relationships and finding a soulmate by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com/]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course and submit your name to be notified of the release of the mini e-book "Help! How Can I Find True Love?"
Lori is a relationship and dating expert who practices the law of attraction in finding true love. She is a dating coach who specializes in expat dating and she is committed to helping countless individuals improve themselves with the end goal of finding their mate.
To know more about her services, visit the website http://manifestingmydestiny.com
Happy Manifesting!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-a-Cross-Cultural-Relationship&id=6594262] Pros and Cons of a Cross Cultural Relationship

Thursday, February 23, 2012

How to Successfully Date Outside of Your Race - Acceptance Is Step One

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela
Moving to a Western country is likely to make you a minority. Your quest on how to find love, especially with someone of the same race, will be made much more challenging obviously because you are in a foreign land. You may want to start accepting a few facts of life when you are on a "find me a girl" or "find me a man" mode in a country not your own. Acceptance puts you in a frame of mind that will open you to possibilities you may not have considered before.
Successfully move into the dating scene in a Western country by starting to accept the following:

The inevitability of dating (and falling for) somebody not of the same skin color. The law of attraction for love may work itself upon parties that may not necessarily share a lot of common ground;
The new cultural reality you will have to adjust with anyway, dating or not. Understanding the cultural values of your new home will make you better accept future dates whose values may altogether clash with yours. You will be in a better position to get into the process of how to find love when you are open to welcome people of different backgrounds into your life;
The likelihood of criticisms from conservatives. The West has its fair share of men and women who have not moved past the 20th century. Love spans cross-cultural relationships, which are going to be the new standard as we live in a progressively global community. The rate of change, however, is not the same for all people. There will always be individuals not as adaptive as you are when it comes to cross- cultural relationships, even though the truth is already in their face;
The downside to dating somebody with an entirely different set of world view, philosophies, and established values. Many cross-cultural relationships fail to make progress because parties may not be willing to compromise; to give up something of a lower order to achieve another of a higher order. Among people of the same heritage, a certain degree of compromise is still important for the relationship to confer mutual benefits. This is all the more critical when dating somebody who brings a different cultural frame of reference in a relationship;
The prevalent dating practices and norms in your new home country. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. The same truth rings loud and clear in today's dating scene, so wherever you find yourself, leave all your dating preconceptions at the door. The answer to "how to find me a girl" or "how to find me a man" starts with an open mind; for all you know, it will blindside you one lazy afternoon when all your guards are down.
The process of how to find love in a new environment indeed entails a willingness to discount prejudice and a readiness to embrace (drastic) changes. This does not mean, however, giving up who you are, which was largely shaped by where you came from. Date according to your comfort level. Know your boundaries, and enforce them. Understand what you can only work with at this point, because that will slowly prepare you to what you can work with at a later time. You still would want to be comfortable in your own skin, even as you "change your color" to adapt.
Use these tips on dating to help you and enjoy the ride. You can get more information on multi-cultural relationships and finding true love by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com/]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com. Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course.
Lori Abela is an expert on finding true love for expats. She has finally found the love of her life in her 40s. She shares her secrets to finding true love with the readers of http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com Lori is available for coaching, speaking engagements and consultancy.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Successfully-Date-Outside-of-Your-Race---Acceptance-Is-Step-One&id=6588208] How to Successfully Date Outside of Your Race - Acceptance Is Step One

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Foreign Wives: Age Does Not Matter

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kendrick_D_Keeton]Kendrick D Keeton
Age does not matter when you are searching for a foreign wife. Here in North America age can be the deal breaker. If you're 20 years older your chances of getting a relationship with her are minimal. Also there is a certain stigma associated with both parties. The Man will get the 'Dirty old man' look and the woman will get constant pressure from friends and family to find someone younger. This isn't always the case but is very possible. Foreign women do not have such stigmas in their cultures or if they do they are very slight. For example, I have many friends who married women from the Philippines. One is 24 years older (he is 52, she is 28) and the other is 32 years older (she is 40, he is 72) and they have healthy and happy marriages. Both have told me directly that they feel so lucky. I have a sense of pride for every relationship I've helped grow. When two people find each other, no matter the age difference, it is the most beautiful and positive thing in the world as far as I'm concerned.
Age difference requires consideration. My advice for those connecting with women much younger than themselves is to consider some simple ideas. One, always ask the women if her family, primarily the father, will feel about her being with a man that might be older than himself. This is necessary since the family is part of the bargain, and you don't want to get yourself into an uncomfortable situation when you finally meet the family. Two, help her grow. I had a friend who one time ask me if it was a good idea to let her work after they got married. I told him that the only way for their relationship to work would be to inspire and support anything she wanted. There are a lot of older men who are financially advanced and wouldn't see the necessity for his wife to work, but a successful relationship requires that they just let go of any controlling tendencies and support her. These women are younger and have ambitions... to do otherwise will guarantee resentment and in the end they will leave you.
One last idea that I would express is to consider a woman that is over the age of 25. If you're an older man, say at least 50 years or more, it will be a lot better to start looking at women no younger than 26 or 27. I say this not so much because of the age gap, but more because of a maturity gap... especially in the Asian cultures. The girls over there are not as 'worldly' as women here. Where a women in the U.S. by the age of 24 has had several sexual partners or relationships (and most likely a couple kids)... in the Asian countries, a women of age 24 is most likely a virgin and there is a good chance she has never had a boyfriend. By the time they reach 27 and they are still single, they start to realize that it's very possible that they might never have a husband. This is the best time for you... the older white knight to come and save her from a life of loneliness. I know that sounds corny, but it's absolutely true.
In conclusion, don't be hesitant about dating and marrying a foreign wife who is much younger, but do consider some of the things mentioned in this article. I'm sure that in the end ultimate joy will be yours no matter what age difference because love truly knows no limits.
Article By: Kendrick Keeton (Web Designer, Software Developer, Librarian)
 [mailto:support@mistercupid.com]support@mistercupid.com http://www.mistercupid.com
Twitter: mistercupidcom
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MisterCupidPersonals
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Foreign-Wives:-Age-Does-Not-Matter&id=6615060] Foreign Wives: Age Does Not Matter

Sunday, February 19, 2012

How To Meet Black Women

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joel_Gray]Joel Gray
Black women are reputable for their strength, their beauty, sexy kissable lips, and their curvaceous bodies that a number of men find captivating. Mainstream media inaccurately stereotypes black women. For example, many people think that they snap their fingers when they talk, they chew gum incessantly, and gossip about everybody. The media might paint them as shallow materialistic beings and other incorrect and unpleasant stereotypes but this does not paint the true picture of a beautiful black women.
This makes quite a few men fear approaching a black woman in case she reacts obnoxiously because he is not a famous rapper, athlete or a Denzel Washington. This image is falsely drawn and entirely misleading, because you will find a very large number of black women, both young and old, who are profoundly wise, beautiful, independent, and have strict cultural values, have a strong sense of self, and many other strong characteristics.
Respect
Black women love a man who treats them with respect, not a creep who will sneak at any chance he gets and tiptoe to another female's house for extra-curricular activities.
So, how will she know you have the intentions to respect her?
Well it will mostly show in your approach, among many other things.
It's Time To Make Your Move
When you approach a black woman, the best way to incorporate the respect aspect is by asking for her opinion or some advice. You can do this in a number of different situations. For example at the supermarket, obviously you will be in the same department, you can get close to her in a friendly manner and get her attention then proceed with a humble query, such as if she can give you simple and basic recipe for a meal using an ingredient that you name. If you are in a shopping mall trying to get some new garments, then you can ask her for an opinion on the type of clothing you are thinking of purchasing
On Your Toes
When you are interacting with her, seeking her advice and opinion, you need to observe three main things. One will be her overall body language, and another one will be her the way she gives you advice, i.e. she will either drag her responses or she will give you quick and short replies. Lastly, you need to watch for eye contact.
In short, an amiable body language coupled with constant eye contact and lengthy responses usually means that she is definitely into you and she is just trying to drag the time so she can infuse your presence and image into her mind and also give you chance to ask for contact details and get in touch with her at a later point.
If however, she gives you quick and short responses and she doesn't want to directly face you and engage eye contact, usually this means that she has more important things to do, which excludes you. That's when you move on to the next.

Black women are very witty, therefore, from day one you will be locked in a battle of wits. So, you have to be quick on your feet to dance with them in the ring. They can be very loyal to their type of man, which is one who fulfills their needs. They will give you an incomparable experience. Whether it is in companionship or behind closed doors, no one can match their skills.
Discover the unbelievable success you will have with women once you have started to develop the powerful traits of an [http://www.alphamaleunleashed.com]Alpha Male, you will begin to see how easy it really is to approach attractive women anywhere or anytime. Learn to strike up a conversation with beautiful women in any social setting no matter where you are.
Once you begin the journey to becoming the man that every woman wants, to becoming a [http://www.dominantalphamale.com]Dominant Alpha Male you will learn that no woman is beyond your scope of influence and that you can have any women you want, anytime you want. All you need to do is remember to be a gentleman, do not be a jackass and go out and find her!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Meet-Black-Women&id=6608782] How To Meet Black Women

Friday, February 17, 2012

Gift Giving Etiquette in Other Cultures - China

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_L_Hill]Jennifer L Hill
China is a country with a long and storied history that is undergoing big changes. It has emerged as a financial powerhouse and has one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world. Traditions have changed as well, what was once acceptable in many cases now no longer is, and anyone doing business in this country needs to be well aware of modern etiquette practices here.
Gift giving, and lavish gift giving at that, was long part of the culture in China, but after the Communist take-over in the middle of the last century, things have changed dramatically. Today the official policy in business culture is that gift giving is prohibited as it can be considered a form of bribery. Since bribery is a crime in China, your gift may be declined by the recipient. There is one exception to this rule though; it is acceptable to give a gift to a company as a whole, but there is also another subset of rules that goes along with this. However, in the last few years, things have slowly begun to change.
Giving a gift is an act to be done with some discretion in China, and there are several things you should be aware of to avoid getting yourself in an awkward situation. If you wish to give a gift to an individual in China, you must do it in private, and as a gift of friendship and not in the context of a business deal. Like many other cultures in the Far East, the Chinese will decline a gift at least three times before accepting it, so they will not give the appearance of greediness. Therefore, you must be insistent to get them to accept it. If the tables are turned and you are presented with a gift, you are also expected to refuse the gift at least three times as a show of modesty.
If you decide to give a gift to a company in China, as suggested above, there is another subset of rules that must be adhered to. Before you present the gift, all business negotiations must be finished. You should make it clear verbally that the gift is from the company you represent and it should be presented to the head of the business or the head of the team you are negotiating with. The gift should not be overly and very obviously expensive, as they will then feel the need to reciprocate.
As a general rule of thumb, avoid gift wrapping gifts until you are in China, as it will most likely be unwrapped and inspected by customs agents. Try to use red wrapping paper, as red is considered lucky. Other acceptable colors of wrapping paper include pink, silver and gold.
It's important to follow any rules dictated by local customs, especially when trying to do business with a foreign company. The above guidelines will help you avoid an embarrassing situation when doing business in China.
Jennifer is an editor and content manager for Executive Gift Shoppe, a site offering [http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com]corporate gifts such as [http://www.executivegiftshoppe.com/business-card-holders.html]business card holders for men. The Executive Gift Shoppe has something for everyone.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Gift-Giving-Etiquette-in-Other-Cultures---China&id=6624732] Gift Giving Etiquette in Other Cultures - China

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Questions to Ask Someone When Consider Interracial Dating

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela
Dating expats entails knowing where to properly put yourself in order to avoid appearing indifferent or ignorant of the other person's cultural frame of reference. Knowledge may come from observation, or, if the information is not volunteered, may need to be teased out from the other person. Below are some of the questions to ask someone when considering interracial dating. Exercise prudence when drawing out information because these are delicate questions that may offend or leave a bad taste and ruin your chances of how to find love in a cross-cultural setting:
The person's civil status. This information is not easily volunteered for fear that the person concerned may be rejected on the basis of this information alone. People know that others are not comfortable getting into a relationship where they are second, so they want to hold off sharing this crucial information until they know they have a chance of being accepted for who they are, not for who they were. This is a sensitive question, so ask in the most opportune moments; for example, when you see photos of children or family pictures in the house of the person you are going out with;
The residence status of the person who migrated. This is one area that you do not want to overlook. Marriage is one way to get resident alien status, and you want to be sure you are not being used to achieve that goal. You would want to get into marriage out of love, and not out of some favor you can do for another;
The person's religious belief. This is can be a deal-breaker in the process of how to find love. Religion is pervasive in our lives that it shapes how we think, how we react to social issues, how we relate to others, how we raise children, how we live our lives, and even what we eat. You may want to steer clear of getting into a relationship that is based on a religious premise. For example, Muslims can only marry the same kind. If the person you are dating indicates that he or she will only get married to somebody of the same religion, make an assessment if this is something you would consider if your belief varies;
The person's family background. Indicate that you want to meet the person's family. Much of our personality is shaped by how we were raised, and meeting the parents provides clues to the personality of the person you are dating. Be prepared to travel to another country if necessary;
The person's parenting principles. It would be both to the advantage of the dating couple to find out their parenting preferences. Would the other person welcome your own methods of imposing discipline? Would his or her religion be imposed upon the household?
The person's cultural practices and mores in dating. It is polite to keep pace with the cultural expectations of the other person. You would not want to appear too forward or too conservative in dating expats. You would not want to spoil your chances in finding a soulmate simply because of a minor dating slip.
For people, especially those who are still single after 40 and are "running out of time," being over-eager may come across as rude. Some of the questions laid out are applicable only if you want to pursue the relationship further.
Otherwise, they become politically incorrect questions when asked at the wrong place and at the wrong time. We all want to address the nagging question "how can I find love," and often it is a case of correct timing. You would not to ruin your odds on how to find love because of a right question asked the wrong way.
You can get more information on multi-cultural relationships and finding true love by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com/]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com
Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course and submit your name to be notified of the release of the mini e-book "Help! How Can I Find True Love?"
Lori is a relationship and dating expert who practices the law of attraction in finding true love. She is a dating coach who specializes in expat dating and she is committed to helping countless individuals improve themselves with the end goal of finding their mate.
To know more about her services, visit the website http://manifestingmydestiny.com
Happy Manifesting!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Questions-to-Ask-Someone-When-Consider-Interracial-Dating&id=6602809] Questions to Ask Someone When Consider Interracial Dating

Monday, February 13, 2012

Consistency Is the Key to Cultural Change

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Fajak]Amanda Fajak
This heading seems to be a contradiction in terms. Isn't change all about doing things differently, being adaptable? Where does consistency come in?
I was facilitating a group of people recently and we were talking about the importance of trust in building them as a team and in creating the culture they wanted in the workforce. Through extensive discussion they ended up boiling down the key to trust for them as being consistent and making the time.
In that session it struck me yet again how much of a foundation to cultural change, in fact any sort of change, consistency was.
What is consistency? Consistency is a certain repeatability of behaviour so that people can predict how you are going to respond in any given situation and also know with clarity how they are expected to operate. If culture is largely shaped by people's expectations around how to behave, consistent leadership behaviour is key.
So how does it work?
I remember walking through a workshop with a leader who was lamenting the fact that despite repeating the importance of safety, holding regular safety meetings, doing safety audits and the like - all best practice components of being safe - they still weren't getting a shift in culture. "For example" he said, look at that guy over there, he is not even wearing his gloves properly". At that point I was confused and asked him - "how come you haven't said anything?" and his response was very telling "why worry about the little things when we can't even get the big things right!" What this manager had missed was a significant moment of truth.
The reality is that our culture is merely an amalgamation of a whole lot of little moments. Occasionally a big event comes along such as a natural disaster that dramatically shifts how people operate but this doesn't sustain, it is focussing on the little things every day that matters.
Was this manager wrong? In fact in my experience most managers under appreciate the importance of the little things and the importance of being consistent every time.
Some of you may have seen the video clip from the 2009 Sasquatch Music Festival - if not I recommend you have a look at it now   rel=nofollow [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA8z7f7a2Pk. This video is a great example of the importance of consistency (it is also a great example of creating a movement). In this clip, one lone nut dances on a hill for what feels like ages when you first watch it. In fact it is only 3 min and 6 sec. In the course of this time he is joined by 1 then another individual before the whole crowd runs down from the hill to join them. What would have happened if this Lone nut would have stopped for a break and grabbed a drink of water? Nothing! People would have seen him as inconsistent, they would have been less drawn to him and no-one would have been tempted to join him as they would have been afraid he would stop and they would be on their own.
Consistency is key to cultural change.
The complexity for leaders is this - every decision, every interaction with someone, is a moment of truth. When I coach leaders and work with leadership teams about how to shift their culture, the things that often overwhelm them is that culture is not just a HR project it is everything that they do every day. Every budget decision, every performance discussion that they choose to have or not have, every behaviour they choose to ignore, every time they do or don't walk their own talk.
In summary, one of the key phrases I use again and again with the leaders I work with is this - as a leader, you get what you do and you get what you tolerate.
The author, Amanda Fajak is a Partner at Reveur. Reveur, make culture tangible and help clients build a plan to proactively manage or transform the culture of their business as a part of their strategy to achieve business outcomes. Reveur Partners are cultural experts with senior line management, academic and consultancy experience. For more information about Reveur please go to [http://www.reveur.com.au]http://www.reveur.com.au.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Consistency-Is-the-Key-to-Cultural-Change&id=6638329] Consistency Is the Key to Cultural Change

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Why Cross Cultural Relationships Are Becoming the Norm

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela
A few days' stay in any premiere tourist destination, and you will understand why cross cultural relationships are becoming the norm. These are not the kind of relationships one might expect to find in tourist areas that cater to fleeting desires. These are genuine relationships that were born out of how to find love amidst differing cultures.
For people who are still single after 40, dating expats is in fact worthwhile to explore. Finding a soulmate in the "seven seas" is even made easier by the following realities:
The instant-messaging and video-calling age is upon us, and space and time are no longer obstacles to forging bonds, whether onshore or across the Atlantic;
The online community is fast rivaling the actual populations of a country. Taiwan, for example, has 17 million out of its 23 million citizens who are plugged in. Their online community is fast becoming crowded, and this is the reason why online dating is gaining more ground. A lot of Taiwanese who are asking "how can I find love" are finding the answer through iPartment - a popular social media and online dating site who has matched up 200,000 couples since it began 8 years ago;
The search for greener pastures have propelled exodus to lands of plenty, and incidentally, lands where people are marrying later and birth rates are declining. Inevitably, dating expats is the one way to go about how to find love;
The gender imbalance, especially in countries where sex selection is still the tradition (India, for example), create further pressure in declining birth rates. The preference for male sons that are also prevalent in China has led to a skewed sex ratio. In 2005, only 100 girls were born out of every 120 boys. Eventually, the Chinese will be "importing" wives;
The mainstream media has glamorized cross-cultural relationships. American movies have gradually integrated people of various "colors" in the silver screen. This further cultivates tolerance and acceptance of people from varying religious beliefs and cultural mores. The ease of access to foreign movies via Netflix or other movies-on-demand service providers further allow all people to enjoy other cultures vicariously and in the comforts of their home. It is now possible to be an "armchair" traveler;
Latin American dancing is re-emerging in popularity and reshaping the club scene. Dance is a great equalizer, and when people relate with each other in the context of fun and dance, the process of how to find love, even among people who are still single after 40, is made much easier.
You can get more information on multi-cultural relationships and finding true love by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com/]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com
Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course and submit your name to be notified of the release of the mini e-book "Help! How Can I Find True Love?"
Lori is a relationship and dating expert who practices the law of attraction in finding true love. She is a dating coach who specializes in expat dating and she is committed to helping countless individuals improve themselves with the end goal of finding their mate.
To know more about her services, visit the website http://manifestingmydestiny.com
Happy Manifesting!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Cross-Cultural-Relationships-Are-Becoming-the-Norm&id=6594310] Why Cross Cultural Relationships Are Becoming the Norm

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Relationship Advice for Singaporean Men

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Selfridge]Angela Selfridge
There seems to be an air of resignation among young guys when it comes to dating girls in Singapore. In this mindset there is an inferiority complex born out of the belief that foreigners have all the luck with the local girls. One reason that would help to explain this is the legions of party girls that flock to the ex pats for a quick fling. In addition, they witness many supposedly hard to get girls in long term relationships with foreigners as well. Many local guys consider themselves left with the less desirable girls in the dating pool. This is as much a result of low self esteem than anything else and any person with even a slim knowledge of the female mind could tell you girls are attracted to confidence and self assurance, and repelled by self doubt and meekness.
The problem is also cultural. In Singapore, there is a gender divide no longer found in western cultures. Singaporean men are expected to behave in a gentlemanly fashion towards women, whether she is a love interest or even a casual acquaintance. This deeply ingrained cultural trait means that while they may be a barrel of laughs among the guys, as soon as they are in the presence of a woman they will behave primly correct, perfectly polite, and come off as insufferably boring. While it is not impossible to engage in dating with this mindset, the guy will usually end up being walked all over until some edgy, exciting guy shows up to steal her away.
Bear in mind that in western nations the gender divide has not existed for many years. Guys will be much more open with women, even treating them as ''one of the guys''. Thus, they will be much more open, comfortable, and edgy when talking to a woman. And the truth is most girls cannot resist a ''bad boy''. When considering that one guy behaves like grandpa and the other is funny, confident, different and slightly dangerous, who do you think the girl would rather spend her time with?
So the key to successful Singapore dating is controlling your mindset. If a grown man exhibits any kind of self doubt or insecurity, girls can smell that a mile away and will brush you aside and await a more confident partner. The trick is to remove all traces of negativity from the mind. If you approach a woman with a trace of doubt or negativity it will come through. Fear or failure can drive a young guy to focus on less attractive partners or give up trying altogether. Banish fear of failure from your mind and approach a girl with positive belief that you certainly can be the perfect guy for her. Remember, the prettiest girl there is often the one all the other guys are afraid to approach, so she's often open to chat with a guy confident enough to approach her.
For information on relationships, dating advice and tips particularly concerning [http://www.lovestruck.com/singapore/]Singapore dating please visit [http://www.lovestruck.com]Lovestruck who are a professional dating site and also offer speed dating.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Relationship-Advice-for-Singaporean-Men&id=6404888] Relationship Advice for Singaporean Men

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Changes in Western Society's Gender Roles - Who Has It Affected More?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela One might ask - with the changes in Western society's gender roles - who has it affected more? Women are increasingly flexing their earning potential and purchasing power, a trend that is going to be around for a long time. Men, therefore, should gradually come to accept that being a "house husband" is going to be a norm as their wives are increasingly "wearing the pants."
There's nothing romantic or sweet in finding a soulmate who earns more than you do. However, even in the process of how to find love, men and women who couple up are sometimes on a skewed footing, especially when it comes to earnings. This means that the one bringing home the dough may be spending extra time at work or at meetings, putting the better half in charge of the household. In the modern setting, that better half is the man.
By extension, if the wife has to travel for work most of the time, the husband should naturally take over the household. The same scenario can be expected for men who have married business-minded women. Managing the business entails long hours, hard work, and little room for rest. The husband may not only need to attend to the household, but also attend to the needs of his wife. This set-up may not sit well if you are dating expats from the West. They were raised in a patriarchal society, so the idea of being relegated to a supporting role threatens their idea of masculinity.
This becomes all the more concerning when there are children involved. The husband who does not spend a lot of time climbing the corporate ladder should be home early to take care of the kids. Working couples can certainly sign up for the services of a sitter, but there is a cost involved and it is not a good idea to leave the children with other people most of the time. The process of how to find love with a woman who has her own mind has its price.
For men who also have aspirations in their career, this could mean self-immolation: working at night to be able to take care of home and kids by day. For men who are asking themselves "how can I find love" and have actually found it, the road to finding a soulmate is challenging.
This may sound altogether out of the ordinary, but the idea of men taking care of the kids is actually nothing new: the Minangkabau ethnic group of West Sumatra, Indonesia, observes the matrilineal hierarchy of things. This means that property is inherited through female lineage: lands and houses are passed down from mother to daughter. This entailed the women to manage their farms, leaving the male members of the family looking after the household and providing care for the children as a result.
Yes, the Western society's reversal of gender roles is going to be affecting men, but it is the price they pay in the process of how to find love among strong and independent women.
You can get more information on multi-cultural relationships and finding true love by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com/]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com. Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course and submit your name to be notified of the release of the mini e-book "Help! How Can I Find True Love?"
Lori is a relationship and dating expert who practices the law of attraction in finding true love. She is a dating coach who specializes in expat dating and she is committed to helping countless individuals improve themselves with the end goal of finding their mate.
To know more about her services, visit the website http://manifestingmydestiny.com
Happy Manifesting!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Changes-in-Western-Societys-Gender-Roles---Who-Has-It-Affected-More?&id=6606067] Changes in Western Society's Gender Roles - Who Has It Affected More?

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Glorying In Our Differences and Diversity

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham]Steve Wickham
The more we appreciate and respect our unique differences, in love, the more freedom we issue to others and ourselves. We are shackled to nothing. A multiplicity of freedom reigns.
Indeed, the freedom extant in such appreciation is the purpose of fellowship, enshrined in the majesty of love. Even more we enjoy the differences in our ethnicity, racial disparity, and gender gaps.
We seek to outdo the other, in honour, because of these differences. This is God's will. It is to be our passion.
DIFFERENCES HEIGHTEN OUR LOVE
Where love exists - and because love never fails - it overflows over those with most inherent difference compared with us.
For me, a Caucasian, to love an indigenous Australian is a challenge because of our potential racial differences, including the perceived prejudices we must compensate for. I sincerely want to love them all the more, because they may feel, before our encounter, this prejudice. I want them to be pleasantly surprised, and comfortable, with me. If we extend the discussion, me a Christian toward another, perhaps a Muslim, I want to love them all the more because I see they may sense prejudice within me; something I would want to shun because I don't feel that way. Further, a person of Indian upbringing has vastly different cultural experience to an Australian; yet, I want to embrace their cooking, art, and taste for colour (and lots of other things) as proof that I'm no better than they are (and no worse, either).
We are to hope that all differences meld into unity. This is how we 'fight' for equality. We attentively fight for their rights, not ours.
One-on-one rapport with those who are uniquely different has to be closer as the goal becomes one of developed accord.
The only exception, for either side, should be gaps in truth. And either side should feel their love will carry them over the line as they redress situations in care and concern for the other.
THE WONDER IN DIFFERENCE
This is why the above works. There is a basic wonder that occurs within an open heart upon the consideration of someone vastly different.
Wonder flourishes more and more when we recognise the truth: they will always be so inimitably different, yet we share more in common than we have in difference when we share the impassioned burden of love for each other.
Love is the common denominator that shatters all boundaries of prejudicial fabrication.
It creates a seminary of wonder because of the hope we have that people with such differences could become our best of friends.
Differences that are successfully melded show us both to be people of God - unconditional acceptance because of, above all, the motive of love.
There is another reason why Jesus wanted us to love our enemies (not that those different to us are 'enemies' - far from it).
We see the majesty of God at work when we shelve our biases and throw open the gates of our hearts to welcome all the diversity under God's heavens. We begin to become truly ourselves under such conditions.
� 2011 S. J. Wickham.
Steve Wickham is a Registered Safety Practitioner (BSc, FSIA, RSP[Australia]) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min). His blogs are at: [http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com/]http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com/ and http://inspiringbetterlife.blogspot.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Glorying-In-Our-Differences-and-Diversity&id=6653953] Glorying In Our Differences and Diversity

Friday, February 3, 2012

Tips On Dating An Italian Woman

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Emilia_Ciatti]Emilia Ciatti
Dating an Italian woman can be tricky, not because of her personality traits, but because, simply put, she's not American. So here's your first tip-- If you're going to date an Italian, you'll need to think like one and that means letting go of some bad dating habits that Americans may be accustomed to. For example, the Italian woman doesn't play games. Whereas the American might play "hard to get" or use some form of "reverse psychology," the Italian tends to be very upfront and she expects the same. She has no patience for a man who waits 3 days before calling because he wants to play it cool. If you like her, show her, otherwise she'll lose interest quickly.
Got passion? Bring it on! When it comes to love and desire, the Italian woman gets the gold medal. And the farther south you go, the more passionate she is (I'm referring to the country, not the body-Stay focused!) The Italian woman is comfortable with her body and therefore exudes a sense of freedom which translates to confidence both in and out of the bedroom. This is not to say that she is promiscuous; she just doesn't second-guess herself! If she feels the chemistry and she's genuinely interested, you're in! (Sorry for the pun.) It goes without saying that "no" means "no" in either language so if you've put your best foot forward and she's still not impressed, walk away my friend.
Ask an American woman to go out last-minute and she'll ask herself a million questions before she responds... "Is he asking me now because I'm his second choice?" "If I say "yes" will he think I'm a loser because I didn't have any plans?" You get the picture. Ask an Italian woman the same, and she'll have her foot out the door before you can even finish your sentence! Yes, she is adventurous! She lives life to the fullest and thinks of the consequences later, if ever! So go ahead and ask her for a last-minute date. The worst she can say is "I have plans" (and she'll actually have them!)
It's fascinating that in a society dominated by the family unit, the Italian woman often chooses to live together instead of marrying. This is due to many reasons that go beyond the scope of this article, however suffice to say that divorces can take several years in Italy, if not more, and that many Italians prefer not to have children, which raises the question "Why get married?" Doesn't seem very traditional, right? Well if you're idea of an Italian woman is one who slaves in the kitchen and brings her man coffee in bed, you may be thinking of her mother! The Italian woman today is more like her American counterpart in that she has a career as well as personal goals and aspirations. However, she is equally fulfilled, if not more fulfilled by her family, with or without children. Given a choice between "alone time" and a family gathering, the Italian woman would most likely choose the latter. Overall, she has a good handle on the important things in life, which is rooted in her upbringing so you'll need to respect that if you're going to enter her world. Translation: Leave your Blackberry at home when you're on your date.
When it comes to impressing an Italian woman, nothing works better than speaking her language. You don't have to be fluent or have good pronunciation, but knowing a few words, especially in the context of dating, will go a long way. Believe me, I've seen some of my Italian friends accept dates from American men who didn't have much going on except for the fact that they said all the right things...in Italian! So make the effort, and if she's not impressed, you'll still be ahead of the game because you'll be able to impress an American woman the same way!
If an Italian woman has accepted your proposal for a date, it's very important you dress the part. Italian women laugh at the fact that American men wear sneakers and sweatshirts when they should be wearing shoes and a button down shirt. You don't have to wear a suit, but don't show up looking like you just showered at the gym. She expects you to make as much of an effort that she made getting ready for you (sans the make-up let's hope).
She's invited you to her place for dinner, now what? Keep in mind this might mean you, her and her family since it's very common for adults to live with their parents if unwed. Either way, do not go empty-handed, EVEN if she tells you not to bring anything! Bring flowers or dessert. Alternatively, if you are taking her to a restaurant, do not expect her to pay for anything. If she tries to offer you money, DO NOT take it! Chivalry still rules in some parts of the world!
It's very common to see Italian women staring at both men and other women. Whereas this might be considered rude in America, it's perfectly normal to observe people this way in Italy. So leave the jealousy and insecurities home (along with that Blackberry) and enjoy being in her presence.
In the event that your relationship should lead to engagement, you'll be happy to know that Italian women don't typically wear engagement rings as we know it here in the States. Depending on the region of Italy, she may have a simple band, an understated diamond ring, or sometimes nothing at all. (You can stop smiling now.)
The last and most important tip I can give you is to be confident. Italian women like strong, passionate men. They shy away from the weak. You may be intimidated, embarrassed or sick (hopefully not all at the same time) but don't let her know it or you're toast.
Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)
Emilia Ciatti is the creator of "Learn Italian Easy," a series of downloadable videos that teach you just the right amount of Italian within a specific subject you choose without boring grammar and verb conjugations. To watch her free video and to learn Italian words and phrases that apply to meeting an Italian woman, visit [http://www.learnitalianeasy.com]http://www.learnitalianeasy.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-On-Dating-An-Italian-Woman&id=6642637] Tips On Dating An Italian Woman

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Where to Find Your Asian Girl: Part 1 of 2

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lori_Abela]Lori Abela
Asian women tend to be better at dealing with multiple priorities without missing a beat, perhaps because - as conditioned by their family-oriented culture - they need to be dutiful daughters while performing other roles outside the household. Given these qualities, you may be wondering how and where to find your Asian girl. In fact, the "how" is easy if you know the "where."
There are two broad categories of where to find eligible Asian bachelorettes: the actual places of ethnic convergence, and increasingly, its virtual and online counterpart. Let us first take a look at plausible places where you can find beautiful Asian women.
In Real Estate as in Love, It's Location, Location, Location
Like any other ethnic group, Asian women do not forget home: they bring it with them. This is true on various levels. Immigrants - whether original settlers or the third-generation kind - always find ways to be with the flock. Hence, it pays to know where to show up in order to find beautiful Asian women, inside and out.

Specialty food stores and ethnic restaurants mushroom in every corner in California, New York and Chicago. Incidentally, this is where the majority of immigrants and their families have found work. The process of how to find love is often through the Asian woman's stomach. There's nothing like food to remind her of home.
Catholic churches, Taoist temples, and Buddhist shrines are the best places to find beautiful Asian women who are also spiritual. Philippine women are predominantly Catholic, and they hardly miss Sunday mass. Indian women are devout Hindus; they have millions of deities they pray to. The majority of Chinese are Taoists and Buddhists. The rest of the Asian world is a curious mix of all three. Finding a soulmate in these places has an additional upside, if you are particularly religious. Often, the process of how to find love unfolds in places of worship, because of the inherent positive atmosphere in such locations.
Pockets of ethnic-based neighborhoods and immigrant communities abound. California has a huge population of organized Asian communities. The same can be said of New York and Chicago. Japantown, Chinatown and Koreatown can can be found in mega-urban centers. Consequently, where there are minority neighborhoods, there sure will be ethnic-based organizations. Ethnicity is obviously a mandatory membership requirement to get into these communities, so finding a soulmate in these places requires buddying up with a male Asian first. Then, you can rely on a "friend of a friend" approach on how to find the girl for you.
Karaoke bars are not without Asian patrons. Japanese (who originated the word karaoke for "empty orchestra"), Chinese, Korean and Philippine women have a clean sense of fun. They are particularly fond of romantic crooners, so be sure to practice with the microphone when you are trying to impress beautiful Asian women. Asian women are easy to woo with love songs that come from the heart.

Actual places where people meet up are certainly the most logical places for finding a soulmate, but with the world getting plugged in, you certainly would want to take advantage of virtual communities and make connections online.
You can get more information on multi-cultural relationships and finding true love by visiting   rel=nofollow [http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com]http://www.manifestingmydestiny.com. Be sure to take advantage of the 6 Day Free E-mail Mini-Course and submit your name to be notified of the release of the mini e-book "Help! How Can I Find True Love?"
Lori is a relationship and dating expert who practices the law of attraction in finding true love. She is a dating coach who specializes in expat dating and she is committed to helping countless individuals improve themselves with the end goal of finding their mate.
To know more about her services, visit the website http://manifestingmydestiny.com
Happy Manifesting!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Where-to-Find-Your-Asian-Girl:-Part-1-of-2&id=6646896] Where to Find Your Asian Girl: Part 1 of 2