Dating Safety

Studying abroad in Barcelona is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and connections. As you meet new people throughout your time abroad, it's important to prioritize your safety while navigating the dating scene. This resource page is here to help you make informed decisions, stay aware of potential risks, and enjoy your time abroad with confidence. From meeting people in safe environments to understanding cultural norms and recognizing red flags, we've got you covered.

Dating in Spain, especially in a city like Barcelona, can be quite different from dating in the U.S. Here are some key cultural differences to keep in mind:

Flirting & Approach - Flirting in Spain is oftentimes much more direct than in the U.S. Things like compliments, physical touch, and strong eye contact are common, even early on.

Dating Timeline & Exclusivity - In Spain there tends to be a longer "talking stage" before labeling a relationship. People may casually date multiple people before deciding to be exclusive.

PDA - Kissing, hand-holding, and affectionate gestures in public are considered very normal. As Spaniards exchange kisses on the cheek to people they're just meeting for the first time, they're of course very comfortable showing PDA with their significant other!

Paying for Dates - "Pagar a medias" (splitting the bill) is very common, even on first dates. It's not considered normal for a particular person in the relationship to pay for everything.

Online Dating vs. Meeting Organically - While dating apps are often used, many people still prefer meeting through friends or social events. Barcelona locals are generally more comfortable approaching strangers in person than online.

Online Dating Safety

If you choose to use a dating app, always verify someone's profile before meeting them in person. Things like reverse Google image search and finding the person on social media can be helpful, as well as requesting a video chat before meeting in person.

Be aware of scams and things like catfishing - what you see online isn't always reality! Never share personal information, send money, or click on suspicious links. Should you choose to meet in person, always meet in safe, well-lit public places and tell your friend(s) and/or roommate(s) of your plans and where you'll be. 

Dealing with Uncomfortable Situations

First and foremost, trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is! Remove yourself from uncomfortable or unsafe situations as quickly as possible. For a quick exit, pretend to take a call and excuse yourself.

Know how to politely decline unwanted advances. Be direct but kind, and if needed, blame things like your schedule ("I've got a busy semester, so I don't have time for anything serious right now"). As a back-up plan, always have an exit strategy, like saying your friend is waiting for you or that you have another commitment.

While Barcelona is one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly cities in the world, it's still important to take precautions when dating as a Queer student. While many of the general dating safety resources are applicable to Queer dating, there are important differences and considerations to take into account.

For more LGBTQIA+ resources, click here.