Let us start with the obvious here: dating someone from any foreign country can be complex on its own. Different cultures around the world all have their own focus on the traits and qualities that make a person desirable. So what might be considered polite, acceptable or even romantic in your country of origin might not be as high regarded in, say, Belgium.
Belgium? What is this, I hear you wonder.

While Belgium might be a rather small country (the 61^st in the world, to be precise) located in Western Europe and finds itself wedged in between France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, it has more than made up for this lacks of land surface. Not only is Brussels the Capital of Belgium, it also serves as the capitol of the EU and even the NATO headquarters is located in Belgium. Culturally Belgium has produced some outstanding artists such as the painters Van Eyck, Breughel, Rubens, Magritte, Ensor, and so many more but also architects and designers, musicians,… Add to that the high quality of life people here enjoy and you might catch a glimpse of what to expect when arriving there.

So, now you know what Belgium is you might start to wonder again and ask yourself why we are actually talking about Belgian people, and more specifically Belgian men?

We could say "why not, Belgium is so interesting, and its inhabitants as well" but honestly, it just because it's part of our story. Since one part of our magical blended family (about) is home-grown in this teensie weensie country.

As there happen to be not so many Belgians (just about 11,5 million – compared to for instance Russia's 144,5 million) and as complex and sometimes mindboggling Belgium might be to outsiders, there still are some general traits that we could roughly sketch from going over this peculiar but priceless country.

Did you know that the very first EU president was a Belgian? Just as is the current one (only the third EU president to date). During its short lifespan as a country, and especially after WWII, Belgium has always significantly punched above its weight on the world stage.

The reason?

Belgians have been schooled – from early on – to value diplomacy and not giving offence.

Living in a country as small as this which has three official languages to boot, a horrifyingly complex political system and three predominant cultures coexisting together (not even adding all the different foreign countries that occupied it during the ages) have made Belgian people tend to think twice about what they say and not give offence.

That is why a Belgian host will probably make no fuss about your "misbehaviours" but will bear it with a smile. And don't expect them to divulge your wrongdoings to you – because, oh god, that would be impolite!

When Stijn told Asiya early on in the relationship that "you know that when I will meet you at the airport I will give a kiss, right?", she replied with "we will see". An answer that left him flabbergasted and made him think he must have done something wrong!

Turns out that it was just a cultural mixup. Because Asiya with her Russian directness stated a plain fact (we will see wether or not we will kiss – I can not know it right now how things will be like at that future moment in time), whereas for a Belgian "we will see" is just a polite form to say "no" without giving offense.

For instance let's assume that people invite you to an exhibition and you don't like to go? Just reply: "we'll see" and leave it at that. That's the Belgian way.

Because overall Belgians are subtle, masters in finding compromises and common ground in a situation and probably the least nationalistic people in the world. Just don't think that these very polite people are easy to toy with…

Maybe the reserved Belgian might be the most perfect opposite of the boisterous American. Bragging in any form is generally looked down on, so Belgian people like to leave their egos at the door.

Remember, Belgians are little diplomats, so being to over-the-top about yourself isn't deemed attractive.

Appearance-wise, this is also true for Belgians generally have a preference for looking 'au naturel', just like their French counterparts. It means your Belgian date will most likely be elegantly yet casually dressed. Which is good enough on its own because this understated elegance serves as a good accompaniment to let their personality come to the fore.

For such a small country to have so many highly regarded universities in the world means that on average Belgians are a highly educated bunch. Add to that the fact that with three official languages and English being so similar to Dutch/Flemish, most people can speak multiple languages effortlessly.

Due to these components – and their generally broad system of schooling – they are well-versed and educated on a wide range of topics. Belgium is also at the forefront of progressive thinking and legislation, and you will notice how Belgians are generally quite tolerant and open-minded.

Combine these ingredients and you have quite the attractive mix!

True, when thinking of Belgium both chocolates and beer are two of the most easy associations people make. And while both are of a very high quality, a Belgian is steeped into a food culture from early on.

More often than not your Belgian date might be quite knowledgeable about wines, beers or cooking, and going to restaurants is part of the country's DNA so much so that even little kids tend to be well-behaved and accustomed to eating out. While for instance the city of Ghent might well be on its way to becoming Europe's hip foodie capital, the number of Michelin-star restaurants dotted across the country is staggering.

Being educated and diplomatic, it comes as no surprise that Belgian people care for good table manners. So remember to use both fork and knife to eat and don't wolf down your food but rather take your time to appreciate the food and (educated) company.

Just like eastern neighbours Germany, Belgium – and especially the Flanders region – is a land of the punctual and organised. So – in general - be prepared for your date to plan beforehand what to do and to show up a few minutes earlier than agreed.

But they are dependable in more ways than just being punctual. Belgians also tend to be really loyal, generally calm and level-headed.

One of the more recognisable traits of Belgian society is the onus they place on neatness and order. This is not just evident in their personal appearance – which you might have deduced already from the second trait mentioned above. It is also quite evident in Belgian society at large and how people take pride in the cleanliness of their surroundings.

Belgian men have the best of both worlds. They stand tall (but not as toweringly as their Northern Dutch or Scandinavian neighbours), yet they also share the "savoir-faire" of their southern cousins. And while they might not all look like Matthias Schoenaerts, they take care of their appearance and tend to be fair and easy on the eye coupled with a feeling of being 'genuine' and direct.