Of course, you want to find out about the 10 life changing facts or think twice before you marry a Costa Rican. I’ll tell you why.
Most men who move to Costa Rica, except for the blind ones, agree that Costa Rican women are beautiful. In some cases, this can turn into a problem. For some reason, women who move to Costa Rica are less capable to run away with a handsome Costa Rican stud. But they do, believe me. Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll is for another blog though. Today’s is not about running away with one, it’s about 10 life changing facts when you marry a Costa Rican.
Let’s start by saying that I’m perfectly happy with my 24-year marriage with Dany. I would not change my wife for another one for anything in the world! I’ll have a hard time finding a more beautiful one who will put up with me. Dany also reads my blogs…
I know I’m not supposed to generalize and of course. There are a lot of great Tico husbands and Tica wives around. But I need to point this out so you can all behave accordingly once you plan a romantic relationship or marriage with a Costa Rican male or female.
This blog is not about a girl you pick up in the infamous Del Rey or surrounding nightclubs or a “Maripepino” (male stripper) you might pick up in a strip club either. It’s about falling in love and marrying a god-fearing, well-educated person who doesn’t work in the sex trade.
The biggest thing about marrying a Tica o a Tico is the culture differences unless you’re Costa Rican yourself. When you start dating or marry a Costa Rican, you will get hit by all kinds of culture bumps that are life changing facts that might give you some culture shock.
10 Life Changing Facts
1. No Sex
No sex while dating and before your marriage, even though this is changing fast. but if you meet one of the real religious ones, you’re up for a dry spell.
2. No Buddies
If you have any drinking or poker buddies, kiss ‘em goodbye as soon as you get into a serious relationship, jealousy will not allow for anything but your lover’s attention.
3. Distrust
Jealousy is going to be a very important part of your future marriage. Maybe distrust is a better word. This can stop you from talking to anyone when in the company of your lover, from doing things that seem totally normal to you but doesn’t to your fiancée, stop you from going to places on your own or even talking on the phone with people your fiancée doesn’t personally know or trust.
4. Religion
Convert into a Catholic. The Catholic Church still has a lot to say in Costa Rica and you might have to go to confession before you are even allowed to get close.
5. Unpunctual
Being late and I don’t mean 5 minutes, I mean 2 hours, will be absolutely normal. In Costa Rica, we call it Tico Time. If you still insist on being on time for a party, you might catch the host still in the shower because they don’t expect you to be on time. Not showing up at all is also a common practice. When you just start dating, this seems to be a standard way of testing your interest and patience.
6. Step-Children
You might inherit a child, or several, which you might find out about when you’re already over your head and it’s too late to walk.
7. The Family
You will be marrying the whole family, which means parents, brothers and sisters and all family down to the 5th degree. Family comes first, second and third. Forget about your privacy for life, unless your in-laws and family live far away.
8. The Holidays
Be ready to spend Christmas, Easter and any other important holiday with your in-laws and other family members.
9. Credit Card
Of course, there are Ticas and Ticos that are careful with money. My wife is one of them. #9 Can be a problem with any nationality that you marry. I just wanted to make sure that you understand that you cannot just “give” your future Tico/Tica spouse a credit card without making sure you can afford it.
10. Divorce
Do not divorce your Costa Rican spouse, especially if you have any children. If you do, you might be paying through the nose until your kids are 25 years old (if they study). Costa Rican family law is very protective of children (which is great!). And family judges in Costa Rica are convinced that all gringos are rich.
Complete or Finished
Many of the first 8 facts are probably true when you marry a Tica. I don’t know about Ticos because I’ve never been into dating guys, I assume that only #4 and #10 will not exist. Feel free to post any other life changing facts when you marry a Costa Rica in the comment box below if you have any.
I read somewhere: How do you explain the difference between “complete” and “finished”? The answer given was that when you marry the right woman, you are “complete” but when you marry the wrong woman, you are “finished”.
When the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are “completely finished”.
Today’s Recommendation
If you’re planning to get into a romantic relationship or marriage in Costa Rica, with someone who has a different nationality and speaks a different language, better be ready to adapt to each other and go through all the culture bumps and understand that both will have to adjust while dating. Once you adjust, you have my blessing to marry a Costa Rican.
At GoDutch Realty, we can help you find your Costa Rica property for sale or for rent if you’re looking for one, no matter if you’re a single, married, or an LGBT couple, as long as you’re a happy one. Contact us now.
If you like this blog, subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the banner below.
I DO want to remind our readers that we appreciate any referrals you can send us. Also, when talking about your home in Costa Rica, please remember the GoDutch Realty agents. We appreciate it.
