Greeks and non-Greeks?

Question

My best friend is Greek and we live in New Zealand. About 3years ago he moved away and next year I'm moving up to where he lives.

We both like each other more than friends and next year we'll be more than friends.

I'm so scared because I'm not greek. Will his family have a problem with that?

It's going to be such a different way of living. Most of his friends are Greek. I get along with a few of them though.

I've never met his family.

I've tried talking to him about it but he says not to worry. But it's easy for him because he's use to it!

Any suggestions?? Thanks!

I am not moving to Greece. My best friend's family moved to NZ from Greece 3 generations ago.

I am not moving to Greece. My best friend's family moved to NZ from Greece 3 generations ago.

Answer 1

My daughter fell in love with a Greek (she is non-Greek) and his family flew her over to meet her. He was over there on vacation and they wanted to meet her. He proposed to her on Acropolis then. She and even I have been adopted into the family with open arms. In fact, I even go every year to visit them and they cry when its time for me to leave. The Mother is like a Mother to me and Zoe (who I stay with the sister in-law of my daughter) is like my sister now. There was no problem within the family at all.
Now as to another family. I have several friends now after 7 years of going and I went to meet one young friends family. He is much younger than I and is a very dear, just a friend, but his mother does not like me. She was very nice to me in their home though as the whole family was. BUT...I learned afterwards, she had a fit telling him that I was an American and would "steal" him to America and I was too old to be a friend to him. She could not accept the fact that he would want to be friends with me. Now, when I visit we keep in touch, go places together but they do not know about his seeing me....I asked him WHY??? for God's sake I could be his mother, why would I want him in the States for I love Greece anyway....so you see how some can be.
But since your both same age I assume, and care for each other I think it will go ok for you, just take your time...and don't forget to take them a sweet when you go meet them.

Answer 2

Greeks are not racist, don't worry. they only hate Turks, lol. just kidding. well they do, i was told they are arch enemies. when i was in Greece i thought they were rather friendly towards foreign people, when you ask for help from someone they will not leave you until they have helped you. they are so friendly. but that was 5 years ago so things might be a little different down there now. the truth is, whats the worse that could happen, his family wont kick you out of the house or anything stupid. you will come to like them, like i said most Greeks are friendly.

Answer 3

Greeks are not racists. Greeks who are not in Greece(ex-pats) have a tendency to want their children to marry greek women, so that their children remain Greek, know the language etc. So yes, at first they may react. Not to you, to your friend. But when they get to know you , they always see behind nationalities etc. Many Greeks are married to foreigners. If you show that you try to share the greek culture (like trying to learn the language, some greek cooking, some greek dances, reading a bit about Greek history and mythology, or ancient greek theatre, poetry and philosophy which is fascinating anyway) it will be a good step. Besides, at the end it's your friend's decision that counts! If he and you are in love, who cares what the family thinks? They'll just have to accept it! Good luck.

Answer 4

Take this slowly and have an exit plan. Get to know his family WELL. Some Greek families can be notoriously racist as in, you could be treated as if you don't even exist. If you find this to be the case, don't waste time on the situation. It's one you can't win. I do hope that isn't what you find but if he's stuck on you, he'll pretend there isn't a problem when there is.

Answer 5

i think your question isn't about how u will get along in Greece but whether u trust and love your friend that much to follow him in a strange country... u shouldn't worry about how the Greeks will treat u though since we are known to be warm and hospitable people... best of luck and hope everything works out fine for u and your friend!

Answer 6

Take things one step at a time.I am assuming that you haven't seen each other in the 3 years but have been in contact with each other.Take time to get reacquainted with each other. Try to allow your friendship with his family to progress naturally. Give his family time to know you as a friend first before you announce you are more than friends. Just be yourself.You sound like a grounded young lady who has goals.Who wouldn't like that? It is always nerve wracking meeting the family of someone you like.

Answer 7

Your main problem, from what I've really seen and noticed, may be that while boys in Greece are treated like princes your future to be something may suddenly start acting like a king. Meaning he won't do anything at home and you'll be supposed to act as the traditional housewife. Just a guess though...

Answer 8

Having married a lady from abroad (the last many years) I would say that both of you need to "give and take" especially in the beginning. I would say that you will most probably will not face any major problems ............ but life is so unpredictable! Good Luck!

Answer 9

Greek families only pretend to have a problem, they're not as racist as you think. Most likely, his family will just want to see him happy. If you're what makes him happy, then they won't have a problem with you. Don't worry about it.

Answer 10

if he says not to worry, don't fret over it.
he obviously comes from a secure, warm, and loving family
just enjoy yourself with them and share cultural experiences
with each other.
lots of luck and love to both of you