www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Just got out of a 7-month relationship with a Brazilian woman. She wasn't a pro, wasn't anything like that...it was a natural relationship, I met her living up here in the States. She was older but we had a great relationship...but in the long run it didn't work out; foreign women, and I'm talking mostly about Latina women, in general (and this comes from many experiences in the issue i.e. girlfriends from another culture) are just very different from us American guys and the chances for a long term successful relationship, however sweet and great it may be in the beginning, is very low. Now this is NOT TO SAY there aren't some success stories out there but I'd make a safe bet the majority aren't successful in the long run. This is not to say one set of beliefs and one culture is better than the other, because THAT ISN'T TRUE....the cultures and thoughts and beliefs are just different, and there is nothing wrong with that but in the end it doesn't bode well for a long term succesful relationship or marriage. Just felt like sharing this bit of advice, partly because I felt like writing my thoughts out and partly as a reminder to all mongers out there to think twice before falling in love and wanting to marry a woman you meet on one of your trips. Now like I said this was a natural relationship, a regular lady with a regular job here in the US and the ending of the relationship was done very respectfully and with the intention of remaining friends, but the sentiment of the story remains the same. Feel free to respond with any thoughts because I'd love for other people to chime in on the topic. Cheers and happy new years to all!

can u be more specific in the differences?

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Voted San Jose's #1 Maripepino

They are in most respects more religious, expecting marriage rather quickly or as the ultimate destination of any serious relationship, at least in my experience. I wasn't ready for marriage but she was definitely looking for that in the short term future. Also just different worldviews and expectations of the man to do everything financially in the household, which is very different from the modern American view on things for the most part. Also family and extended family is a huge part of their lives whereas this is less common here in the US, at least in this day and age.

Again this is just my opinion and perception on things, perhaps others have different experiences. All in all it is what it is....I know its never good to generalize but this is just what I have found in my experiences.

You are absolutely right!

Good advice. Difficult to explain unless you lived it...but...best short answer is we come from different cultures and our priorities are different. What I thought was important was not important to her and vice versa. Example......I hate being late....maybe it's the 37 years around the military....I hate to rush...and like to plan ahead. These were the last things on my novia's mind. She was naturally late...for everything. I would ask "what time are we going to dinner with your family"?....... her response....oh... a las seis o ocho....mas o menos....tiempo no es importante.... my response....what time is the reservation? I don't know..... but I think my sister said 7..... Her family and friends were the same..... always late and always on the phone explaining where they were, the traffic they were stuck in and explaining what time they "think" they will arrive. Everyone knows traffic sucks in San Jose and you have to plan for delays...... I could go on and on..... Long story short this is just one example of many differences in our cultures. Also the family life can be "overwhelming" and rivals any Soap Opera you've ever seen! Down right comical and extremely frustrating.

The OP can replace Latin women with Any women... Nothing is forever, enjoy it for what it is and for however long it lasts... After doing the rinse and repeat on relationships for too many years, you begin to ask yourself whether you want to climb on the E-ticket "love" ride one more time or just practice catch-and-release...

Good post on Stick's site on this very topic today by Korski... The last sentence of his post reflects my sentiments...

http://www.stickmanbangkok.com/ReadersS ... er7210.htm

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"Mongo only pawn in game of life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3K6UmgJIOw

I've heard a couple of stories from North Americans who were married/In long term relationship with latin american girls and one of the, reported, main reasons it didn't work out was because of an expectation that the girls family would be taken care of beyond the extent to which the husband was willing.

Is this common?
.

I believe it is common for Chica to expect the Gringo to at least contribute to the welfare of the her family. This can sometimes be an endless financial burden if the chica's family is completely irresponsable financially.

I agree that the cultural differences can add to an already difficult thing to be successful at. I believe all relationships are extremely difficult to pull off these days.

What gives me hope is the relationship my father has with a Tica. In his 60's, he moved to Costa Rica after a difficult divorce and had the good fortune to meet a wonderful woman. As they both aged, their relationship has gotten closer over the last 25 years. They are now inseparable.

That being said, I think he was very lucky, (maybe like hitting the lotto kinda lucky). But, that's the thing about relationship, no one really knows what can happen.

+1 Muadib..and thanks for that link +1

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Why settle for just one woman when you can enjoy them all?

I almost always resolve these debates with logic. It seems logical that the older gringo and younger chica have reciprocal needs. She wants security and companionship, he wants to provide security and companionship. Initially this seems to work. Unfortunately, people don't always behave in a way that is in their own best interest. If the younger chica has never learned how to act responsibly she will inevitably cause problems. The older gringo may tolerate her initial ignorance, but over time he will constantly be putting out the financial fires she creates. Often, these issues are created by family.
In addition, both parties, begin to take for granted what each person brings to the table. Then the burdern of the relationship becomes the focal point.
Many of the self proclaimed successful gringos, say they limit there commitment and just enjoy the sex or limited companionship. But, it's questionable whether this can truly be considered successful and it most certainly is without any real emotion and actually no different from being just being alone.
So what's the answer ? Well, I don't have it, but logic again dictates that the closer each partner comes to one another in terms of common needs (not reciprocal) the more their relationship will stand the test of time. For example, the closer they are in age and respective relationship to family. The closer they are in terms of finances, life goals, retirement etc all add up to closer common needs.