Greece

Guide for dating in Greece helps you to meet the best girls. This dating guide gives you tips how to date Greek women. You will learn rules where and how to flirt with local Greek girls. We advise how to move from casual dating to the relationship and find the real love. We also tell the best dating sites in Greece. In this article below you will find more information where to meet and date girls in Greece, Europe.

A group of hot girls at the Paradiso beach club in Rhodes

Girls in Greece:

Looks of girls: 3.5 / 5

Attitude of girls: 3 / 5

Loyalty of girls: 3 / 5

Education level of girls: 3 / 5

Dating in Greece:

Chance of arranging dates: 3.5 / 5

Casual dating culture: 3.5 / 5

Online dating popularity: 3 / 5

Sex in Greece:

Women's sexual activity: 4 / 5

One-night stands: 4 / 5

More about Greece:

Nightlife in general: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Budget per day: US$100 - $500

Accommodation: US$50 - $250

Dating

Greece is a country located in Southeast Europe. Its population is approximately 10.7 million as of 2018; Athens, the nation's capital, is its largest city, followed by Thessaloniki. Situated on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast. The Aegean Sea lies to the east of the mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west, the Cretan Sea and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Greece has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean Basin and the 11th longest coastline in the world. Greece has more than 2,000 islands, of which about 170 are inhabited; some of the easternmost Aegean islands lie just a few miles off the Turkish coast.

Dating Greek girls is fun. Greek girls are very outgoing and social. Greek girls are generally submissive and always prefer strong and confident men over those who show signs of weakness. Greek girls prefer going out with serious men and getting into relationships that eventually lead to marriage. During the first date, she will be on the look for signs of a commitment from the man. If she sees it to look like a casual date, chances are high that she will not show up again.

Dating Culture

Gender equality talks have been rampant but still, the Greek society expects the woman to cook, clean, take care of the home and children. Greek women naturally want to be wooed and taken care of. They are feminine and would love to be treated in such a manner. They dress and act feminine and of course, there are exceptions. But the majority of women naturally embrace these gender roles. When you date her and eventually marry her, she will always want to cook and clean for you. She will take care of your needs at home and keep the home environment spic and span.

Living with her parents is not because of the financial crisis in the country but it is a natural custom for girls to live with their parents long after they finish schooling. Parents are always present in their children‘s lives even after they are way past their adult age. After things become more serious between the two of you, you will have to make other arrangements for yourselves. Most of the details of your relationship will be known to her parents, so it is good to be on your best behavior.

Sugar Dating

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Online Dating

Dating in Greece can be a bit tricky due to not knowing if you have a solid connection, so your best bet is to sign up for a dating site before you venture to the night club or bar, so you can meet a few locals ahead of time. AdultFriendFinder.com lets you meet local members in Greece and get to know them on a personal basis before you meet in person. Take advantage of site features like live chat and member to member webcams so you can begin flirting before arranging a face-to-face meeting.

Webcam Dating

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Women

Though several famous women have made an impact in Greece's history, it is usually men who are typically celebrated. Women have been traditionally valued for their ability to bear and raise children and take care of their homes and families. Outside the home, however, women have struggled to obtain their rights and freedoms. Here is an overview of the struggles women have had to face in Modern Greece and how they've overcome them.

Even though Greece is the birthplace of democracy, it was not until 1952 that women were allowed to vote. They also made them eligible to hold public office once they achieved their voting rights. Even though the First Greek Constitution, which came about in 1844, stated that “Greeks are equal before the law”, this didn’t fully apply to women until they were allowed the right to vote.

Greek women still struggle with gender roles inside their homes. Gender roles, which dictate that women take care of the home and men work outside of the home, are still considered the standard. However, there is no legal basis for this and the expectation is mainly a traditional one. Many women work outside of the home and men have been playing an increased role with domestic duties such as cooking and cleaning.

Though there are no legal barriers concerning employment options outside of the home, Greek women still don’t make up a large percentage of the workforce. Although the population in Greece is split evenly between women and men, data shows that women only make up around 30% of the workforce. The rural areas of Greece are largely responsible for this lopsided statistic because, for the most part, women adhere to their traditional, domestic roles.

Greek Girls (age 18 - 29)

Most Greek girls have a Mediterranean tan with dark eyes and dark brown hair which is typically curly and thick. More often than not they are curvy but not overweight or fat so if you like curves you will be quite impressed with the appearance of Greek girls.

Greek girls like to take care of themselves and be stylish and feminine. They love to dress in striking skirts and dresses and show their feminine side. Greek girls are proud of their looks and they’ll show this in the best possible way. Greek girls are laid back and don't care about small things as long as you respect them and keep your promise.

You do not have to think about a way to start a conversation with a Greek girl. Greek girls are great at making a conversation. You can talk with your date for hours about almost everything. Many famous philosophers come from ancient Greece so they've probably inherited this from them.

Sometimes, meeting a Greek girl is not that easy. One of the reasons for this is that Greek girls like to go out in groups and spend their night out together. Moreover, their male friends can be protective of them, especially against strangers, which can make things harder.

Greeks live for huge celebrations and parties, no matter what’s the occasion. Greek girls like to go out, drink and dance. This is part of their culture and lifestyle. It’s also not uncommon for them to take the mic and sing so get ready for some crazy fun karaoke nights.

Greek Women (age 30 - 45)

In the past, there was a tradition that a Greek woman should be the one who takes care of her husband and their kids. They usually didn't have a job and were rarely seen in public. All of this was the result of the rural economy, patriarchal culture and conservative Greek Orthodox Church.

Similarly, Greek women expected to be taken care of by their man. Parents also had a big role in deciding which man a Greek girl is going to marry. Usually, it was a family that arranged the wedding and the girl didn't have any opinion about it. This conservative tradition led to Greek women getting less respect than deserved even though there are so many things that they can do even better than men.

The patriarchal culture is still present in many parts of Greece but thankfully, things are changing and Greek women are starting to fight for gender equality.

Greek women have made impressive progress in academia – the majority of university graduates are females. But there is still a long way to go before they achieve absolute equality with their male counterparts in the workforce. Few women hold high-end and decision-making posts in the corporate world, even fewer in political affairs.

In Greece, women take home about three-quarters of what men earn at the same job. Reports show that the greatest pay inequalities are found in the higher income groups, the older age groups and among the highest educated. More than 50 percent of university graduates in Greece are female, yet women make up only 37 percent of the country's workforce.

You will find plenty of hot mature women around the clubs in Greece

Greek Ladies (age 45+)

In comparison with other civilizations in the ancient world, Greek women, in general, did not enjoy high status, rank and privilege. Even so enlightened a man as Pericles suggested in a major public speech that the more inconspicuous women were, the better it was for everyone. Sparta, which history ranks as the cultural inferior of Athens on almost every scale, seems to have had a superior record in its treatment of women. And it wasn't outstanding.

Greek women, however, have greater family responsibilities and many shoulder an unequal distribution of work in the home. Studies show most men spend much less time than women on domestic chores. And, women significantly reduce their time spent in paid employment after the birth of a child. Today in Greece many women are facing discrimination similar to that of ancient Greece. Men still make most of the decisions and are thought of as the dominant and more important gender. There are still laws that give women a lesser advantage. One law of current controversy is one that forces a 17-week maternity leave on women, in turn forcing them to turn to the father for financial support. Some say this is a way to discreetly keep power away from the wife and with the husband.

Though much of the traditional gender roles appear in Greece today, they have also made some major improvements for women's rights. Women are now able to work and earn the same as their male counterparts and are allowed to vote. Women also have many laws protecting their jobs when they begin motherhood.

Foreign Girls (tourists, expats, students, etc.)

Most of the foreign women in Greece are tourists. Greece has been a major tourist destination and attraction in Europe since the 1970s for its rich culture and history, which is reflected in large part by its 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among the most in Europe and the world as well as for its long coastline, many islands, and beaches. Greece attracted as many as 33 million visitors in 2018, up from 24 million in 2015, making Greece one of the most visited countries in Europe and the world, and contributing to approximately 25% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product. Its capital city Athens, as well as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and Chalkidice are some of the country's major tourist destinations. Most of the foreign girls in Greece come from the European Union of which Greece is a member.

Greece is also home to many international and regional organizations. These organizations not only attract local girls but also many foreign girls who come in as expatriates. Other foreign girls in the country are foreign students who come to study in Greece. The country has some of the oldest universities in the world.

Sex

About 94% of Greek women agree that sex brings them emotionally closer to their partners. Greek men, meanwhile, say they become more sensitive during intercourse, and 84% of Greek women stated that they feel loved during sex. Greeks also manage to make their partners happy, with 76% of men and 86% of women stating that their partners are very good at giving them sexual pleasure.

Sex Culture

Greeks have always been considered as the greatest and most active lovers worldwide. Nowadays, however, their sex life is frequently affected and undermined by several harmful habits such as smoking, obesity, stress, everyday routine and recently the financial crisis. According to a survey conducted by a leading condom manufacturer company, Greeks ranked first as the most sexually active people worldwide. 26,000 people from 26 countries participated in the survey. Greeks came first as, based on their answers, 87% of them are having sexual intercourse at least once a week

One-Night Stands

In most of Greece people have been more open-minded towards one-night stands and casual sex for a long time. No one wants their kids to do it, they want them to be innocent and they tell them to be a good girl/boy but they did it and know their kids will do it. That is how Greek culture is if that makes sense, “do whatever you want almost" that cultural mentality is the reason is why so many people have sex.

Best Places to Meet Single Girls

With its rich history, delicious cuisine, many beaches and countless islands, Greece is always a trendy destination. As such, there are numerous things you ought to see when visiting the Mediterranean country. Influential in ancient times, Greece is often called the cradle of Western civilization. Athens, its capital, retains landmarks including the 5th-century B.C. Acropolis citadel with the Parthenon temple. Greece is also known for its beaches, from the black sands of Santorini to the party resorts of Mykonos.

Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs

Greeks love music and they love a good party. Much of the nightlife and entertainment in the country is to be found in Lagos and along the coast on the south of the country:

Buddha Bar Beach: Located in the heart of Mykonos, Buddha Bar Beach is a major attraction of the city when it comes to enjoying the typical Greece Nightlife. Set on the soft sands of a beach, Buddha Bar offers captivating views of the Aegean Sea. It offers a unique culinary experience along with exotic drinks, which when mixed with the beats of internationally acclaimed DJs, provides an unforgettable experience.

Paradiso Beach Club: One of the most famous open-air clubs in Rhodes, Paradiso Club truly justifies its name, as it is a paradise for party animals. Situated on the Nikiforou Litra Street, alongside a beach, this party hub of Rhodes will give you the true taste of Greece nightlife with its alluring setting and a peppy atmosphere all day around.

Jojo Beach Bar: Want to experience the best nightlife in Greece? Sneak into the extravagant Jojo Beach Bar in Santorini to experience a whole new world at night. Boasting of an opulent ambiance with luxurious beach beds, furnished sitting, azure pools, and mesmerizing views of the sea, this beach bar is not only a perfect place to party at night but also the best place to enjoy the tropical weather during your vacation.

Chatzi Bahtse: A little out of the way, this is the place to go for rembetika (urban 'blues') and other unamplified strains of traditional Greek songs. Three brothers started it in the 1958 house of their father, and they ensure everything – the home-cooked food, the carafes of juicy wine, the tables draped with wine-splattered cloths, and the music – stay perfect. Located in Thessaloniki, the club is accessed via a slip road from the multilane highway heading northwest from the center.

Romantso: Based in the former offices of famous, but now defunct, magazine Romantso in Omonia, this diamond of a creative hub has multiple facets. It's an all-day cafe-bar, there are DJ dance parties pretty much every weekend and they stage regular exhibitions, live music events and activities such as social yoga and fun hula-hoop classes.

Koo: What started as a venue to promote the musical creations of a few friends morphed into Koo, the fantastic alternative bar of today. Koo often hosts live events, dancing and exhibitions. The top floor is open for drinks and coffee, and the basement hosts experimental theatre, photo exhibits and summer concerts.

Island: The most popular choice on the Athens Riviera, Island has been designed to provide a relaxing environment by the sea. Popular among locals, visiting celebrities and jet-setters, it includes a restaurant serving international cuisine, while the bar serves excellent cocktails. With weekly parties and an extensive following, this is no doubt one of the top venues in Athens for a night of fun and entertainment.

Cinderella: Located in Kolonaki, Cinderella is a disco-club where anyone feeling nostalgic for the 1970s will find solace. With its psychedelic décor, relaxed vibe and 1970s- and 1980s-oriented playlist, Cinderella quickly became a nightlife hub in Greece’s capital. As the club attracts a lot of people, make sure to reserve a table or come ‘early’; then all you have to do is get ready to surrender to the fun vibe and dance the night away.

Kitty Cat: Located in a long-forgotten arcade, Kitty Cat is a well-thought-out concept. Serving as a bar/club/restaurant, it has established itself as a fixture in Athens’ nightlife scene. With live gigs, excellent resident DJs and Asian-inspired décor, Kitty Cat is an eclectic venue that will surely seduce any party animal.

Enzzo de Cuba: For more than a decade now, Enzzo de Cuba has been high on the list of the best nightclubs in Athens. Inspired by Old Havana, the historical heart of Cuba’s vibrant capital, Enzzo de Cuba is a Latin music bar split into three areas where you can even get dance lessons from professional teachers. The club also has a food bar open all day, where partygoers can enjoy pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

New York Beach Club: New York Beach Club is located in the heart of Hersonissos, on the main beach road, overlooking its beautiful bay. It is an ideal place to go, whether you want to relax on comfortable sunbeds during the day, enjoy the sunset in the afternoon, or party all night long. The management and staff are always ready to offer you and your friends an amazing experience with quality drinks, music to suit every taste and a wide range of snacks, ranging from toasties to fresh salads.

Tropicana: The Tropicana Beach Bar and Restaurant, located on Paradise beach, Mykonos Island is one of the most popular beach bars of Mykonos Island. Beautiful surroundings, exotic cocktails and sumptuous meals make this one of the most sought-after destinations for party-goers from around the globe. Paradise beach is brimming with energy as there are several entertainment destinations and is well known for its early evening beach parties. Talking of ratings, Tropicana has been rated as the second most popular bar in the world by the Travel channel website.

Barrage Club: Barrage club has been open since 1991 and since 1996 plays mainly dance music, always following the trends of the global dance scene, with a commercial and alternative style. On its decks, the last 12 years have played famous DJs from all over the world. Barrage is located near Zakynthos Town along the coastal road, leading to Argassi and Vassilikos.

Party at the Paradiso Beach club in Greece

Shopping Malls

Some of the malls in Greece include:

Athens Metro Mall, Greece

The Mall, Athens

Golden Hall, Marousi

Mediterranean Cosmos, Thessaloniki

Mall Vouliagmenis, Agios Dimitrios

Enigma Mall for East Europeans, Nea Propontida

Talos Plaza, Heraklion

Outdoors

Probably the most striking image that comes to mind when one hears the name Athens is the Acropolis, and for good reason. Guarding the city on top of the sacred rock, the Acropolis of Athens is a wondrous site to visit. The Acropolis includes several structures such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erectheion. The Acropolis is undeniably a must-see for any visitor to the Greek capital.

A mystical site regarded as sacred by the ancient Greeks, the sanctuary of Delphi is thought to be the center of the world. Located in central Greece, at the foot of Mount Parnassos, the sanctuary includes an ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, the Stoa of the Athenians, a hippodrome, a stadium and a gymnasium. Home to the Oracle of Delphi, the site bore strong religious importance in Ancient Greece.

The historic heart of Rhodes contains proof of the presence of the famous Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem on the Greek island. The UNESCO-listed site includes cobbled streets, Gothic towers, beautiful churches, and the palace of the Grand Master of the Order, called the Kastelo, which served as an administrative center and the official residence of the leader of the Knights of St John of Rhodes. You will surely have a pleasant time strolling around the streets and admiring the complex Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

A fortified town located on Mount Taygetos in the Peloponnese, Mystras (or Mistras) is located near the town of Sparti. It was a powerful city in the last decades of the Byzantine era and now consists of an old town surrounded by walls and an imposing palace at the top of the hill. Known today for its beautiful Byzantine churches with striking frescoes, Mystras is now silently surrounded by splendid nature. Visitors can stop by the modern village of Mystras, which features traditional architecture and picturesque little squares.

Half an hour’s drive from the charming town of Nafplio in Argolis, Peloponnese, the ancient theater of Epidaurus awaits. Part of the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of God Asclepius, the theater is one of the most popular touristic attractions in the country. Known for its acoustics, the theater is bordered by lush greenery and serves as a venue for performances and theatre during the Athens-Epidaurus Festival every summer.

Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki is the second biggest city after Athens. Due to its strategic position, it has always been at the intersection of cultures and religions. With several sightseeing attractions, such as UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches, Thessaloniki also has Roman monuments, including the Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda, and the 15th century White Tower on its waterfront, as well as several museums. For entertainment, make sure to visit the Ladadika district, a historical area by the port.

The Minoan Palace of Knossos, on the outskirts of Heraklion in Crete, is a must-see for history buffs. The largest of all Minoan palatial structures, it covers over 20,000 square meters and includes numerous rooms, as well as beautiful and colorful frescoes. It consists of an old palace built around 2000 BCE, which was destroyed by an earthquake, and a newer structure built immediately after. According to Greek mythology, this is where King Minos kept the half-human, half-bull creature called the Minotaur, which was eventually killed by Athenian prince Theseus.

One of the most important archaeological, historical and mythological sites in Greece, Delos is a tiny island covered by an open-air museum off the coast of Mykonos in the Cyclades. Mythology has it that Apollo and Artemis were born on the island, and as such, no mortals have been allowed to be born or be buried on the sacred island. Throughout the country, there is no other place that has as many artifacts from the Archaic, the Classical, and the Hellenistic eras. All in all, a visit to the island is more than just admiring history–it is experiencing it.

Universities and Colleges

Some of the universities and colleges found in the country include:

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens

Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini

School of Pedagogical and Technological Education, Athens

Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens

Technical University of Crete, Chania

Relationship

Greeks are fun-loving, social and know how to party. So being with a Greek person means you can be sure that you will have a good time. Drinks on a Monday or on a Tuesday are not unusual and a spontaneous night out with his/her friends is never out of the question. From family reunions to dining out with your partner’s best buddies, you will quickly understand what living the Greek life is.

Greeks are a proud nation. As such, if you are dating a Greek woman and things are going great, she will be very affectionate and is most likely to show you off to her friends and family as her man. Greek men, as passionate as they are, will do the same. They will spontaneously give you compliments, tell you how beautiful you are and show their affection by taking you out and treating you like a queen.

Greek men love to be in charge so they can provide and take care of their families. They will not be against having a partner that works, as nowadays, two salaries are better than one, but they also appreciate a woman who takes care of her home and children. Likewise, Greek women, like many women, like to be taken care of and will expect their man to take charge and reach for the bill on dates.

Holiday Romance

For teens and twenty-somethings a holiday romance can be a liberating experience that teaches you about your sexuality and prepares you for love. Alas, many people who are over 30 and/or divorced and looking for a holiday hook-up, tend to project a message that indicates that they may need to do some work on themselves to let go of past hurts and attract a loving partner.

There's no doubt that holidays are beneficial for your wellbeing. If you're single and looking for love how you approach your getaway can greatly impact any promising romantic experiences. Having an expectancy of finding long-term love in an exotic climate gives off a signal that can attract potential mates, and also those serial romancers looking for their next casual fling.

If you’re hoping for happy holiday memories, regardless of whether or not it includes sex and/or romance, you are far more likely to meet a stranger who is also looking for the thrill of a shared adventure, if you’re not expecting it. Feeling free, and being more sociable, also boosts the chances of connecting with someone on your travels.

Tips for Successful Relationship

We all want to have healthy relationships, but most of us were never really taught about what that means. The key is being communicative and proactive.

As the months and years roll on, we tend to slink into our proverbial sweatpants and get lazy in our relationship. We lose our patience, gentleness, thoughtfulness, understanding, and the general effort we once made toward our mate. Think back to the first year of your relationship and write down all the things you used to do for your partner then start doing them again.

Over time, we assume that our partner knows us so well that we don't need to ask for what we want. What happens when we make this assumption? Expectations are set, and just as quickly, they get deflated. Those unmet expectations can leave us questioning the viability of our partnership and connection. Keep in mind that "asking for what you want" extends to everything from emotional to sexual wants.

Create a weekly ritual to check in with each other. This can be short or long, but it begins by asking each other what worked and didn't work about the previous week and what can be done to improve things this coming week. Additionally, use this opportunity to get on the same page with your schedules, plan a date night, and talk about what you would like to see happen in the coming days, weeks, and months in your relationship.

Unless you have committed to an asexual partnership, sex and touch such as kissing, holding hands, and cuddling are vital components of a romantic relationship. How much sex a couple has is, of course, up to the particular pair of individuals, so you must discuss your ideas about it to manage any desire discrepancy.

Life and work distractions can become paramount in our minds, and that leaves little time or energy for our partner. Barring any emergencies or deadlines, we should be fully present when we are with our mate. We truly hear what they are saying (instead of pretending to listen), we leave our distractions behind, and we don't pick them up again until the sun comes up and we walk out the door.

When conflicts inevitably come up, remember to approach them thoughtfully and with a lot of kindness toward your partner and yourself. If you see the stress beginning to escalate during a conversation about a conflict, one or both of you can call a break so that cooler heads can prevail.

In most disagreements, we communicate from the obvious emotions such as anger, annoyance, and the like. Leading from this place can create confusion and defensiveness, and it can ultimately distract from the real issue. Start communicating from the bottom layer which is the feelings that are driving your reactions, such as disappointment, rejection, loneliness, or disrespect.

Conversations quickly turn to arguments when we're invested in hearing our partner admit that we were right or when we are intent on changing their opinion. Choose to approach a conversation as an opportunity to understand your significant other's perspective as opposed to waiting for them to concede. From this perspective, you will have an interesting dialogue and prevent a blowout or lingering frustration.

It's well understood that apologizing is a good thing, but it only makes a real impact when you mean it. Saying things like "I'm sorry you feel that way," "I'm sorry you see it that way," or "I'm sorry if I upset you" are a waste of time and breath. Even if you don't agree that your action was wrong, you will never successfully argue a feeling.

Any issues you avoid, or truths you don’t want to acknowledge, will likely undermine your relationship. It’s better to face the truth squarely in the face right now and address it, rather than let it sabotage your relationship in the long run. Be intentional and figure out the truth about your relationship. Think through all aspects of it—your feelings and thoughts, the other person’s feelings and thoughts, as well as their external context.

Love

After a few dates in, you may have the privilege of meeting the parea, your date’s BFFs. In Greece, the parea is as important as family, and they are usually a mix (of either sex) of childhood friends, university pals and/or colleagues. Getting the approval of the parea is crucial; it determines the course of your relationship. Even before the financial crisis that hit the country, Greeks have always lived with their parents until a later age than the rest of Europe. Parents, and especially mothers, are quite present in people’s lives. It might require a few adjustments on your part when things get heated between the two of you.

Even if you are here long term, meeting people may not be easy peasy. Sometimes, life gets in the way and there just isn’t much time to go out and be social. Despite the fact that Greeks love to go out for coffee or drinks, they usually go out in groups (the legendary parea again), which make meeting new people harder. But don’t despair, be social. Don’t be afraid to mingle. Join a gym. Get out of the house, you may stumble upon your Greek god or goddess in the most random place. And even if it turns out to be a simple friendship, you will quickly see that it was worth it.

How to Make Sure She Is the One

While everyone is looking for different traits in their life partners, there are some essential traits you should seek, from empathy to consistency. These traits help you both to understand and love each other.

A healthy, stable relationship focuses on giving rather than taking. Seeing your significant other happy should make you just as happy, and she should treat you in the same way. Your joy should be her joy, too—it can be as simple as asking about your day or looking after you when you are sick. As time passes, the excitement at the beginning of the relationship will pass, but you should both be just as focused on giving each other happiness.

If you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you must find that person intellectually challenging. Looks are fleeting but personality is forever—your conversations together should be interesting, insightful and full of depth. Your partner should be able to challenge your opinions, opening up your mind to new ideas and concepts.

An ideal wife is someone who will do good things, not just because other men's wives do them too, but because they are the right things to do. She surpasses other women, not because she competes with them, but because she competes with herself and tries to improve every day a little bit more.

Before marrying a woman, you must be sure that she will always support you in any situation, especially in the presence of other people. If she is very considerate, then you won’t have to worry that she somehow will disgrace you. For example, a tactless woman may make a toxic comment to your relatives or may comment on your shortcomings in front of the guests. It doesn’t mean that she should always agree with you. She just has to know how to gently tell you about your problems.

There is a big difference between a wish and the ability to have children. If your girlfriend shows that she likes children and maybe even persuaded you to have a pet, then you know that her mother's instincts are active. For your children, this means that if you marry her, they will have a nice mother and a happy and healthy family. Look at her reaction when you start talking about children, she may feel afraid, but never disgusted.

In addition to supporting and encouraging you to pursue your own goals and dreams, she will have her own as well. A mature woman has a vision for her future and chases after it with voracity. A mature woman will be someone you can take on the world with. She will be your partner in crime, a teammate in your relationship, and life.

Marriage

Both civil and religious marriage ceremonies are legally recognized in Greece, and foreigners can choose to marry in either a civil or religious ceremony, or both. The legal minimum age for marriage in Greece is 18 years for both men and women; however it is possible for younger couples to marry with a court order. Requirements can vary slightly in each region or island, so couples are advised to obtain specific advice from the locality in which they plan to marry. Non-residents are free to marry in Greece however, if one of the individuals is a resident (but not a citizen) of Greece, they must possess a valid ‘Residence Permit’ in order to wed there.

Couples must publish a wedding notice in one of the local Greek language newspapers a minimum of eight days prior to applying for a marriage license. Their names must be phonetically written in Greek and not Latin characters. In small towns where local newspapers are not published, a notice must be posted at the Town Hall or Community Office instead.

The following documents are required for both the bride and the groom. For those who plan to marry in both a civil and a religious ceremony, two sets of these documents will be required, one for the Town Hall and one for the church:

A valid passport

A certified copy of the applicant’s Birth Certificate with an Apostille stamp affixed, along with an official translation into Greek. The translation must be made and certified by either a lawyer, the Greek Consulate in your home country, the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Translation in Greece, or by a certified translator (some wedding coordinators can provide this service). Note: an Apostille is a stamp or printed form that is attached to an official document, usually by a local Embassy, Court or Government Department, that certifies the authenticity of that document.

If either applicant has been married before, you’ll need evidence of the termination of all previous marriages via a Death Certificate or Divorce Decree with Apostille stamp affixed, along with an official translation into Greek.

Proof of Freedom to Marry – This varies depending upon your nationality, and may be called an “Affidavit of Marriage”, “Certificate of Non-Impediment”, “Certificate of Marital Status” or “Notary Public Statement”. In some instances, this can be applied for once you arrive in Greece, however minimum residence or waiting periods may apply, so you should contact your country’s Embassy in Greece well in advance to determine the requirements. The document must be completed in both English and Greek and notarised by the relevant Embassy. Alternatively, if it is obtained from your home country, it must be accompanied by an official translation into Greek. An Apostille stamp may also be required, and your Embassy can advise you of this.

A copy of the local newspaper in which the wedding notice was published.

The required documentation (listed above) must be taken in-person to the Town Hall (Demarchio) or to the President of the Community (Proedros Kinotetos) and this can be delivered by your wedding coordinator, if you have one. If everything is in order, the Marriage License will be issued eight days later and is valid for six months for all locations throughout Greece. The couple must then submit a joint application to the Mayor or President of the community where they would like to marry, who will then confirm the date of the wedding ceremony.

The civil ceremony can take place at the Town Hall, Mayor’s office or another pre-approved venue such as the couple’s hotel or resort, and is often performed by the Mayor. Civil ceremonies cannot take place at an archaeological site. The ceremony is typically conducted in Greek, therefore a translator may be required if neither the bride nor groom speak the language. Two witnesses must attend the ceremony, and one may act as the interpreter if required. Witnesses must have either their passports or Greek identity documents with them at the ceremony.

The required documentation (listed above) must be taken to the priest who will perform the ceremony. The priest will then apply for the Marriage License on the couple’s behalf. Additional requirements and waiting periods will vary, depending upon the relevant church, and couples are advised to contact the priest as early as possible to determine what is required for their particular religion. Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish ceremonies are all possible in Greece.

Once the wedding ceremony has taken place, the couple has 40 days to register the marriage at the local Registrar’s Office/Office of Vital Statistics (known as the Lixiarhio). This applies to both civil and religious ceremonies. A marriage can be registered by either the bride, the groom, or by a third person, provided that they are in possession of a notarized ‘Power of Attorney’ authorizing them to do so. Once registered, the Marriage Certificate is issued within three days and can be collected from the Registrar or mailed to the couple. Marriages that are not registered with the Lixiarhio are not legally valid.

Wedding

For couples planning a Greek wedding, there’s a rich well of Greek wedding traditions to choose from for your big day. Whether you’re hightailing it to Greece for your nuptials, finding an Eastern Orthodox Church for your ceremony or simply looking to weave in a bit of Greek culture into a secular ceremony, the traditions of Greek celebrations are full of cultural meaning. From food to dance to religious customs and back, you’ll be reaching for a tambourine to join in the fun before it’s all said and done.

The tradition of placing a delicate, white crown on top of the bride and groom’s head was said to originate in the 11th century and is still one of the most important Greek wedding traditions. Greek wedding ceremonies feature an elaborate ritual with the crowns. First, the priest places a crown on both the bride and groom’s head. Then, the Koumbaros, or wedding sponsor, intertwines the crowns three times to symbolize the couple’s union. Finally, the crowns are tied together with a ribbon.

Once a Greek wedding ceremony is complete, the Koumbaros will often hand out a tiny lapel pin with a small ribbon to the wedding guests. The Greek wedding traditions colors are white, blue or pink and many also have a small cross in the center. These are meant to symbolize the sacrament the wedding guests have just witnessed. Food is one of the most important Greek wedding traditions! While Greek Americans have a rich and diverse selection of homeland foods to choose from, certain dishes seem to always show up on a traditional Greek wedding menu. Yuvetsi is lamb or beef stew with orzo; tiropita is a cheese pastry and baklava is, of course, the pastry sweetened with honey and nuts'.

This festive wedding dance shares the same name as the ancient Greek folk dance, but for a Greek wedding it has a pretty specific meaning. The bride stands in the middle with her MOH to the immediate left and the female wedding guests hold hands and encircle the two. Although meant as a women-only celebration, you might see a few guys join in as well.

For many Greek wedding guests, the tradition of handing out candy-coated almonds as a wedding favor is one of the many memorable aspects of a Greek wedding. This enduring wedding tradition is called bombonieria and has been associated with Eastern Orthodox weddings for more than three millennia. The salty-sweet combination symbolizes life’s ups and downs and the hope that there will be more sweet than bitter. Couples typically give an odd number of almonds in each favor to note the indivisible power of their marriage with five being the most traditional number. Each almond symbolizes their hopes for their life: health, happiness, fertility, wealth and a long life.

Family Life

The family unit is the most important foundation of Greek society, providing emotional and economic support to the individual. Greek families have generally become smaller in size over the past few decades as the fertility rate has declined. Nevertheless, relationships remain extremely close. The social life of most Greeks deeply involves their relatives and the extended family plays a strong role in one’s life.

Greeks tend to be very proud of their families. Being a collectivist culture, a person’s family name and background influences perceptions of an individual’s reputation, status and honour. There is often a social pressure to present one’s family name in a good light. It is not uncommon to hear Greeks publicly praising their family’s dignity and integrity by pointing out their achievements and positive qualities. Furthermore, you may find that a Greek disputes criticisms or challenges of their family members to prevent any discredit. Any insult towards a person can be interpreted as a slur on their family as well.

Most Greeks live as nuclear families in a single household; however, the extended family is kept close and visited often. In some cases, more than two generations may live together. This usually occurs when ageing grandparents have moved in to live and be cared for by the core family unit. Nursing homes and residential care are viewed negatively; if Greeks must live in a nursing home, their children are expected to visit them often and make all arrangements for them.

Greek society has been traditionally male dominated. There has been quite a masculine ideal of men cast as the strong provider for the family. Many Greek men today continue to feel that it is their responsibility to be the provider and breadwinner for their family, as society is still quite patriarchal. Some may feel that it is emasculating to have their wife earn more than themselves. Today, most Greek women receive a high level of education and work to contribute to the household income; however, they are still expected to be responsible for the majority of the household duties. Women also face challenges due to the wage gaps in the Greek workforce.