Differences in political views and understanding makes it impossible for a relationship?
I have been texting a guy from China (we got know each other by chance; we would see each other around but never talked and recently he talked to me and asked to hang out sometimes as he doesn’t know many people).
Due to cultural differences and also my poor command of chinese, just asking the folks here, was he asking me out?
Recently we kind of touched on the subject of certain areas in China and there was a clash in opinions (mainly because of the different media that we are exposed to; he only accesses chinese media while I only access western-centred media).
I think he was kind of unhappy and we kind of stopped texting. I am also not sure if he is interested in me or just trying to make friends. If he is interested in being more than friends, would this ever work out? I think language barriers, cultural differences can be worked through, but what about political differences?
In this case where one party has and will only consider one media outlet as a source of information. Should I just give up? Students from China, or anyone who has dated someone from China, please weigh in!
One thing to note is that he is about (30+ 40) and not good in English. Thanks!
Here are what netizens think:
- The language barrier is already a barrier, as things can get lost in translation very easily. And with either of you being unable to express yourselves in a more efficient manner, you might as well just end it. You also have to take into account beliefs, nationalism, education, personality, indoctrination, peers, etc. How are you going to communicate all these if you struggle to even speak in one common language?
- Differences in opinion can be discussed, pondered, shared only if both parties are patient and can communicate clearly with each other.
- Due to my work nature I interacted and went out with many Chinese colleagues (from China) and usually by the age of 25+, friends and family will start to hint or introduce people to singles. In rural areas arranged marriage still exists. Alas China is huge and culture varies greatly depending on where this guy come from. Most of the ones that came to SG marry quite young. The most common reason for coming to SG is for a less competitive environment for their children. Majority of them are not good in English (totally normal).