Know How Western and Thai’s Cultural Attitude Being Independence and Interdependence
Western View:
Independence means I am free to say, do, and be whatever I like, whenever I want
You may not always be able to define exactly what you mean by “freedom,” but you know it in your bones and will fight to defend it. Your freedom means you can do your own thing, choose for yourself, make up your own mind, and be your own man.
In Western culture, disagreeing or arguing is seen as valid, worthy, and natural. You argue to validate and stand up for yourself, express your opinion, and get to the “real” truth of the matter. It’s not uncommon in the West to even enjoy loud, robust, and emotional discussions and spirited arguments, and find them personally satisfying.
As a Westerner, you love and tolerate your friends and family, but not at the sacrifice of your personal freedom. After all, Western families break down into smaller and smaller units over time — each one becoming more independent of the other.
Thai View:
Independence is far less important than the well-being of the group.
Thai culture has a respect for freedom and independence, but never at the expense of the group. The balance is different. The well-being of the group means that your Thai lady will sacrifice her own opinions, choices, and self- expression to strengthen the relationship, because her culture reinforces dependence on, rather than independence from, the group.
In Thai culture, disagreement is often seen as an opportunity to validate oneself by finding a common solution. The goal of any argument is to strengthen the network of relationship that holds us together. In Thai culture, loud, boisterous, or spirited disagreements are considered odd. Thai disagreements are almost never openly expressed, and in an argument, you might see a Thai lady becoming dismissive of herself, saving face of the other party, and saying what she thinks will work best to build a better relationship in the future. In Thai culture, there is no reason to nuke a relationship by telling the truth.
How this cultural difference can affect your relationship with a Thai lady?
Your Thai partner might be reluctant to express her opinion, and will rarely argue directly or overtly. She will probably tell you what you she thinks you want or need to hear.
In a Western relationship, that behavior is often considered deceitful or disrespectful. Some Westerners might even consider it lying. But it’s not necessarily so in a Thai – Western relationship. The cultural difference makes it difficult for her to understand why you get so upset over something that she has done only to save face and keep the group happy.
Once you both understand this basic difference, the road to compromise isn’t too hard.
She will appreciate your positive reaction when she tells you openly about things she thought it would be impossible to talk about. You’ll be positive because she’s telling you the honest truth.
Unless, of course, you ARE being conned.
Our company, Meet Me Now Bangkok, will put you in touch with countless single and genuine Thai women who are looking for marriage and for a man who will join them in Thailand.
We offer the option to meet pre-screened serious women who are looking for a real relationship, not to take your money. You can try our customized dating events where you can meet lovely, trustworthy Thai singles.
Send us a message and we will chat. We are always glad to help you find relationship you’ve always wanted.
