Why this expat TikTok user is disappointed with dating

Dating is hard no matter what country you live in, but one expat noted that it can be particularly difficult in Australia because men here don’t “put in a lot of effort”.

Kate Beckitt, a 28-year-old marketing and fitness trainer from the UK, was surprised by the casual attitude Australian men took to dating.

Ms Beckett said while she was sure some Australian men “definitely” put in the effort in modern relationships, her experience was that they put in less effort.

“I do wonder if I’m the only one who feels this way? But I’ve spoken to a lot of girls and they all feel the same way,” she told news.com.au.

So what does low-commitment dating look like? Well, it’s all about the general approach and lack of planning.

She explained: “I was a bit disorganised when it came to planning dates, always leaving things to the last minute and then trying to keep it casual for a long time.”

She’s noticed Australian men are less keen on relationships and more into “situation dating”, a modern dating term used to describe when you’re seeing someone regularly but in a grey area of ​​a non-monogamous relationship – but certainly more than just friends.

Ms. Beckett said that back home, a first date is usually a real date. You pick a place, dress up a little, and have a meal together. Here, she said, it’s more of a party scene.

“While in the UK dates are usually drinks or dinner, here it’s common to have coffee, ice cream or a walk. Do something more relaxed to see if you really feel something,” she said.

“That’s a good idea, but I still hope I can drink some wine to give myself courage.”

The fitness trainer said Australia’s “laid back” approach to dating often left her unsure whether guys liked her.

“It can be a little difficult to know where you stand,” she admitted.

The 28-year-old imagined moving to Australia might lead to the typical scenario of finding a dark-skinned boyfriend, but she found the reality was more about trying to find single men.

“I’ve noticed a lot of people have been in relationships for years. People only seem to hang out in the same places with people they’ve known for years – a lot of them are childhood sweethearts. Everyone seems to have a couple. It makes it hard for singles to find one.”

Although she is still adjusting to a different way of dating, Ms Beckett remains hopeful she will meet her soulmate in Australia.

“I know a lot of lovely Australian men and a lot of my friends have amazing boyfriends.”