5 tips to survive a relationship with your Italian partner

A relationship with an Italian partner. There are many reasons to lose your heart to him or her forever. But that is not always without a struggle. Now give and take is part of every relationship, whether it is short-term or long-lasting. And it takes a little more give and take from both parties as soon as cultural differences come into play.

Handy if you already have an idea in advance of the Italian (in) idiosyncrasies that your great love may have. So that you are not too surprised if you no longer see the world through rose-colored glasses. Or so that you can 'think before you start' if you are about to pledge your heart. That's why a list of national traits that your Italian sweetheart can have to a greater or lesser extent. And some tips to survive with those traits.

1. Plans are always subject to change

Are you a control freak? Then you will have a hard time with an Italian partner next to you. Planning far ahead is not the average Italian's greatest quality. You will probably see a glazed look in your partner's eyes as you start making plans for the summer holidays under the Christmas tree. And if you manage to make half-hearted agreements, there is a good chance that you will end up trekking along the Norwegian fjords instead of enjoying the warmth on a beach in the Greek sun.

Don't think that short-term planning is easier. Because appointments can always be moved at the last minute. Time-wise. Or in terms of place. Or even be canceled altogether. And be exchanged for something completely different.

When you go to bed at night, you probably regularly look back on a day that went very differently than you imagined when you got up. That can be quite difficult, especially if important matters are jeopardized as a result. But if you are flexible, it doesn't cause any major problems and you enjoy those unexpected turns that a day takes, life becomes a lot more surprising.

The credo is therefore mainly 'letting go' and 'go with the flow'. After all, you only live once.

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