Repatriate wrote:Rock wrote:
One more thing Repat. Bangkok is a lot more cosmopolitan than Taipei these days. You see a lot more of about any foreign group there and that probably includes American born locals. Perception wise, Taiwan is just not a very sexy destination for up-and-coming career ladder climbing Asians. For ABCs, China is probably the number 1 go to place. Some of the finance guys still go to HK and SP. But Taiwan probably falls way behind so its not like ABCs are all over the place there. You see them in certain clubs including the ones popular with white guys. But if you don't make a special effort, its likely that you won't cross social paths with any of them.
That's true. With the people i've talked to (mostly other Chinese) there's a general sense that Taiwan's heyday has come to an end or is diminishing due to the rise of China. SE asia remains vibrant because of the emerging markets boom. SE Asia, Latin America, etc.. is just hot because of the perceived opportunities in a developing market. I guess with that kind of energy in the air you naturally attract active young people.
I guess this is a more personal question but do you regret getting involved in a long term relationship there? It seems like it would have been better to play the field indefinitely until you found an absolute one in a million type of girl.
Hey Repat. Congrats on your promotion lol.
One important point not to forget. Just because Taiwan is not perceived as a 'sexy' destination by Asian focused students and young professionals from the States doesn't mean there isn't a lot of sexy girls there, especially in the trendy areas of Taipei. Also, remember what I wrote a few months ago about my Jewish American friend's comparison between girls in Taipei and Shanghai - he preferred the Taiwanese cus he felt that they tend to be cleaner, more cultured and educated, and much more innocent/tame (no obvious material agenda like Shanghainese). He also thought they are better looking on average. And he said that its much easier to find girls with voluptuous curves in Taipei than in Shanghai. Shanghai girls probably eat less western style food, drink less milk growing up, and tend to go for the very thin look, occasionally combined with big breasts but not the hips and ass to match. I think my friend is a credible source of info on this subject cus he's spent years in both places and has dated around some, speaks good Mandarin, and has discriminating taste.
Taiwan's economy has been slow and uninspiring over the last decade or so making it look to some as a has-been. And maybe they're right, especially when contrasted to China which has recently come of age. But still, Taipei's general infrastructure has become well-developed, the population is relatively well educated and disciplined, middle class is large, and cost of living is low. There's still plenty of wealth in the country as evidenced by the abundance of busy high-end shopping malls and expensive property. So you're gonna see a lot of classy and refined girls around town. Also, IMO, a lot of the girls from blue collar/working class backgrounds there have solid values and could make good partners, even if they and/or there family members may seem a bit rougher around the edges. A significant portion of these families are US$ millionaires too, especially if they own some local property.
When I got involved with my current gf, I actually had another gal who had been dating me for a few months and trying to get with me steady, someone I met on a random approach one day walking past Asiaworld Dept. Store. On paper, that other girl looked perfect for a LT relationship - mid 20s, 5'9", very well curved, sweet, innocent, and very attractive face, flawless light skin, and great smile. For my spec, her only physical flaw, and very minor at that, was that her legs were a bit short in proportion to her body. And, she had such a mild mannered and easygoing nature and would let me be the boss and decision maker for everything. She wanted to be with me too outside of work 24/7 and live with me as her family did not control her. But, she was just so darn easy that I got kind of bored with her as the months passed. Then along came my current gf, very young at the time, with her spicy, sassy, strong personality, wide range of interests, and clear opinions and ideas about everything. Perhaps she didn't look as good. But she challenged and stimulated something in me. I lost control and got sucked in emotionally. I gave the other girl up just like that and cut-off contact with my big list of 'female friends' at her insistence. In the early days, I strayed a few times but she somehow always caught me and put me through hell each time. I adjusted and became a new man. Don't wanna say I regret. But its been a rough ride with high opportunity cost.
For a LT relationship, be very careful before you get involved with anyone who has a strong personality or the potential to frequently nag or complain. I'm not saying it can't succeed. But you will pay a big price - high stress, frequent power struggles, loss of freedom, etc. With a lot of hard and smart work, you may be able to mellow her or even dominate her in some areas. But she still has her strong nature which will never disappear entirely. On the other hand, that nice boring girl who happens to fall int your lap might just grow on you if you give her enough time, especially if she's pleasing to your eye.
. 