Well, let this article serve as a guide to you on the proper dating etiquette in Singapore. Please note that this serves as a general guide and may not apply to all Singaporeans. Singaporeans, though modern, often hold a slightly different set of ideas when it comes to dating.
Due to the Asian values that have been inculcated by families and institutions, most Singaporeans often adopt a careful approach to dating. Generally, in Singapore, it is acceptable to chat the member of the opposite sex up and subsequently exchange numbers. In Singapore, while it is more common for a man to make the first move, it is also acceptable and in some cases, liked if a woman makes the first move.
Do not be surprised if you find yourself being rejected for bluntly asking a Singaporean out for a date in the first few minutes of meeting, when the only information they know about you is your name and your array of pick-up lines.
Often, Singaporeans are more readily to accept dates after knowing a bit more about the person, be it a fellow local or an expat. In Singapore, the idea of going on dates often involves activities such as a meal, movies, clubbing, drinks, walks and lengthy conversation, amongst others. Do not be surprised if some of these dates are organised as group dates, which involves other couples, usually friends, together with you.
It is quite normal to be invited to family events such as birthdays, gatherings, weddings or even weekly outings and dinners. This is an area that an expat should be quite careful about when on a date with a Singaporean. There have been cases where some expats have found charges being pressed against them by Singaporean women, for what the expat considers harmless touching. In some of these cases, the expats were served with a fine, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousands. It is best to be familiar with your local date and understand the limits they may or may not have on touching during dates.
