In every single country, dating is a bit different. What works in the United States may not go over well, even in another English-speaking country, like Great Britain.
It’s no surprise that dating a Danish man may not be what you’re used to, and that’s okay! If you have your eye on a Danish man, here is everything you need to know (and expect!) about starting a relationship.
Be Prepared to Make the First Move
In Denmark, it’s just as common for women to ask out men as the reverse. Some say it’s actually now more common. In fact, many Danish men rely on women (or other men in same-sex relationships) to make the first move and initiate the start of a relationship.
However, they’re also hesitant around strangers, so you need to find a workaround if you haven’t been introduced to the Danish man who has caught your eye.
Danish Men Won’t Take the Lead
In all likelihood, whether you’re living in Denmark or happen to be interested in a Danish man who lives in your country, he is not going to make the first move. He may not even make the second, third, or fourth move. This is not because he isn’t interested in having a relationship, but it’s simply how Danish culture has evolved.
If you expect the man to do all the work to get things started or to be the one to call, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Often, Danish men allow a potential partner to be the one to initiate any romantic contact.
Unfortunately, that may mean they won’t be the ones to set up the first date or even the following dates. You may have to always be the one to call him, even once you have established a relationship together.
Expect Rejection from a Stranger
While you’ll likely need to make the first move, that doesn’t mean you should approach a Danish man if you don’t know him. The Danes are private people and frequently feel uncomfortable around strangers.
This may seem strange considering that one of the things Danes are most known for is how trusting they are. Once they get to know someone, and that typically only takes an introduction, they will begin to trust and rely upon you.
That being said, it doesn’t mean a Danish man you haven’t been introduced to is completely off the table. However, rather than trying to buy him a drink and chat him up at a bar, try to meet his friends first, especially if those friends are of the same gender as you.
Once that’s done, you can ask about the man who has caught your eye and see if he is available, or if you can meet him.
There Are Two “Dating” Modes
Dating, as much of the western world knows it, isn’t really a thing in Denmark. There isn’t even a true translation of the word “dating.”
Instead, Danish men usually are interested in one of two things: having a casual physical relationship that won’t last beyond a night or so, or they are fully invested in having a relationship, typically skipping the dating phase altogether.
They Often Want a Casual Fling
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