Seduction is a universal practice that manifests itself in different ways around the world. Each culture has its own codes, its own rules, its own codes of seduction. For example, in Europe, seduction can be rather subtle and nuanced, while in Latin America it can be more direct and exuberant.
In Japan, seduction is often associated with the art of courtesy and gallantry, while in Africa, it can manifest itself through dance and song. In India, seduction is linked to the tradition of “sacred courtship”, where seduction is seen as a form of spirituality.
In the final analysis, seduction is a universal art that can be practiced in many different ways, whatever the culture. It’s important to be familiar with the cultural and social codes of each country, so as not to unintentionally offend your interlocutor.
The mores and customs associated with seduction vary greatly from one culture to another, whether consciously or unconsciously. Here’s an overview of the different ways of seducing in other parts of the world.
In North America, seduction is more like a job interview than a romantic dinner filled with passion. The two people who meet go through a phase of dating, called “dates”, during which they evaluate each other to see if they can make it work. They date for a while before making a real commitment. This method allows them to discover each other gradually, to see if affinities develop, but of course this depends on the social environment, family and culture in which they live.
In Europe, seduction customs can be divided into two parts: the Latin countries and the northern countries, which have very different customs.
In Latin countries, we think of France and Italy, famous for their “love of love”. Culturally, men are brought up to be romantic, to play games of seduction, and to woo women like no one else, who are difficult to seduce and resist. It’s all a game of who catches who, and the French are the creators of the genre, while the Italians are bathed in romance.
Nordic European countries like Germany and England, on the other hand, have nothing to do with this kind of behavior. Much more reserved, it’s customary not to make too many advances towards women. Women feel that they are not objects to be hunted, and men often wait for women to make the first move. Less talkative and smooth-talking than their Latin neighbors, it’s certain that after a couple of drinks, they escape the rule a little more.
- In AsiaThe codes of seduction are very different. In Japan, for example, virtual seduction is currently very widespread. Fans of new technologies, the Japanese are huge consumers of manga, video games and connected reality. Japanese women often seduce the man of their choice. Dating is not widespread in Japan, and couples are quick to commit to a matrimonial life. In China, for example, seduction traditions move very slowly. A woman who dedicates her time to you is a woman who will love you, but she can’t bear to be betrayed. She wants to be sure that you’re trustworthy, and the courtship before the kiss, marriage or sex can last a very long time. Very modest sensually, she needs patience.
- In the Middle EastIn countries such as Lebanon and Syria, seduction depends very much on religious denomination. In the capitals, you’ll find a youth whose morals are close to those of Western countries, even if arranged marriages are very common. Arranged does not mean forced! Often, the men come and talk to the parents of a girl they’re interested in, asking if it’s possible to meet their daughter. Then it’s up to the girl herself to decide whether or not she’s interested. In short, it’s a commitment to build a life together, and you often fall in love a little later in the marriage. Oriental men are known for their devotion, charm and gallantry.
- African countries all have different mores. But in general, it’s safe to say that Africans are great flirts. Culturally very sensitive to the beauty of women, it’s with flattery that men deploy their charm to conquer a woman’s heart. And, as with our French friends, it’s off to the cat-and-mouse game. But beware: a man who flirts is not necessarily a man who wants to make a commitment. Flirting is a veritable art of living in many African countries, and it’s important to distinguish the serial flirt from the man who’s really in love.
As you can see, the codes of seduction and love differ greatly from country to country, culture to culture, religion to religion and social and family background to social and family background. The same country can be home to many different ways of doing things, and even if these indications are global, they are quite divisible again and again.