Sunday, April 4, 2010

Czech/American marriages

I heard a funny story from an American woman married to a Czech.  I asked her if she would recommend marriage to a Czech man.  "No actually, I recommend the other way around," she intimated with a laugh.  "Czech women are raised to do everything domestically and expect nothing from a man around the house.  He gets away with doing less than he would have to do married to an American." So when a Czech woman marries an American it's a very peaceful marriage because both people are getting more than they expected.  She continued, "but when a Czech man marries an American woman and he doesn't do anything and she expects the same sort of help an American man would give, it's not at all peaceful."

There you have it.  Choose accordingly!

5 comments:

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Karin said...

The same is true in Greece. I have friends who are Australian, British and Germans who married Greek men. All ended up living here because the Greek men could not survive in their wive's countries...they need to have their wives take care of them in the "Greek Style" which is to cater to their wishes and stay home to do the majority of the work! Little girls are raised from babyhood to cater to their brothers, fathers, and then husbands so it is natural for them! The saying here is that Greek men should only marry Greek women! Date them, but DON'T fall in love and marry them! Ha, ha.

Karin (American on Paros)

Ashleigh said...

Hmmm...great expections can plague many a marriage...so says me...LOL. Cultural influences can be very strong. BTW, love the clip art you found for this post...

Karen said...

I was thinking more about this. Wouldn't a deeper public social net make women more independent in Europe and less likely to think it's their job to "serve?"

Yet, on this domestic work front, it doesn't seem as if Europe has advanced to a more equitable division of labor. Anyone from Europe have thoughts on why?

Sher said...

Hi Karen,
I have to agree, but also disagree with the recommendation that an American guy should marry a Czech woman.

I am very Western American woman, but am very happily married to a Czech guy. Our marriage is pretty peaceful. We've both learned to adapt to our cultural differences--he does help with housework (don't tell him I said that!) and we help one another with our careers, too.

I guess we are not the norm...but it can happen that an American woman is very happy with a Czech man. I was very unfortunate in my first marriage to an American guy--and suffered abuse. My Czech husband is more understanding and caring, and would never think of abusing me in any way. One more note, he's very cavalier in many ways, which I love. He never lets me carry anything heavy, holds doors open for me, and he does enter the pub/restaurant before me (which is courtesy/protection for the woman he is with). These are my husband's ways of showing care and concern for my well-being.

It's important to remember that each couple and their personalities and situations are different. Cross-cultural marriages are always challenging, but it can be done and both spouses can be very happy and adapt to and appreciate the differences in their cultures--making their own "nationality" in effect...the "nationality" being their union cemented with love, understanding, and appreciation.

Have a great day!
Sher :0)

 
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