DATING ADVICE
How to Be a Great Boyfriend to a Thai Woman
Men, we know you find it difficult to understand us, women. And this is not to shame you. Understandably, our brains work differently than yours.
It’s just that when your girlfriend requests that you do more as her boyfriend, you don’t know what to do, do you?
Perhaps you think she wants you to show grand gestures of love, like surprising her with a private fireworks display or taking her out to a fancy restaurant.
While such gestures will be appreciated, women, especially Thai women, don’t demand a lot in relationships. They only seek the non-negotiables, which are your sincerity and effort.
So, if you want to keep your Thai girlfriend happy and satisfied, learn how to be a great boyfriend by incorporating these simple yet essential practices in your relationship.
1. Be a Gentleman
In Thailand, the culture is traditional and conservative.
According to a UN Women’s interview with Jaded Chouwilai, the founder of Thailand’s Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, 60% of men still believe that only women are responsible for housework and childcare.
However, in relationships, women can do more than that and want to be treated romantically, not simply based on what they can traditionally bring to the table.
That said, make your Thai girlfriend feel loved and special. Be kind, attentive, and gentle. Above all, treat her as your equal. Speak to her respectfully, do your share in the relationship, and offer help even when she needs it, not only when she asks you.
2. Respect Her Beliefs
Thai culture is widely different from the West. It’s more family-oriented, religious, and conservative.
Expect that, at times, your girlfriend will prioritize family gatherings over you and won’t be physically intimate when showing her affection.
These might not be the customs you’re used to, but it doesn’t mean she’s not deeply committed to you.
Part of knowing how to be a great boyfriend is learning to embrace your differences by understanding her background and respecting her beliefs. While from different worlds, you don’t have to be torn apart like Romeo and Juliet.
In fact, by learning and accepting the parts you don’t understand about her, you can have a smoother, stronger relationship.
3. Be Responsible
Thai women have a responsibility towards their families. According to an article from the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, they often care for their siblings, aging parents, and other relatives.
But who cares for them as they fulfill their role of being “dutiful daughters?”
Because they take on plenty of responsibilities, Thai women want a man they can depend on.
In your relationship, this means you should strive to make your girlfriend feel secure. Practice discipline, integrity, and accountability, even in simple ways like putting in the effort to resolve your conflicts, following through with your agreements, and showing up for your date.
4. Express Your Intentions
Thai society is patriarchal, with men often being the leaders and women expecting them to be so.
So don’t be surprised or panicked when she asks about your plans for the relationship. It only shows that she respects your leadership role and is keen to be with you for the long term.
In turn, express your intentions. Do you plan to live in Thailand to be with her? Are you thinking of getting married? If so, are you willing to stay in her country, or do you want her to move to yours?
This will reassure her and allow you to be on the same page.
Be for Keeps
How to be a great boyfriend to a Thai woman isn’t complicated. There might be challenges because of your different cultural background, values, and language.
But in the end, it’s your heart that matters. If you’re genuine and faithful to your commitment, you’re a man she’ll consider for keeps.
