If you’re coming to Rome on vacation or thinking of making it your new home, maybe what you need is some inside information on the infamous ‘Italian Stallion’. Italians are so dramatic that it is in their blood and men more than women. Italian men have a reputation that precedes them and perhaps this is the reputation they seek to uphold. In recent years I have realized what you can expect from them and I am going to share it with you.

Step One: Get His Attention

As I mentioned before, Italian men are dramatic and far from shy. If they see a woman who they think is attractive walking down the street, they feel it is her duty as a man to let them know. This is done by calling “Ciao Bella!”, or if you really look good you’ll get the “Mama Mia Che Bella!” complete. Of course, after a while you start not to notice it, the Italian men’s whistle is what the wolf’s whistle is to construction sites in the United States. A more subtle way they may try to get your attention is by asking you for directions, and they can be quite persistent even if you have your headphones on pretending not to listen, they will simply tap your shoulder to get your attention, once they do. do it in step two…

Step Two: Your Number  

If you decide to take a chance and give a guy your number, expect him to call you. Italian men waste no time, there are no rules to follow, they don’t have to wait 3 days to call, they will call you right there, but in most cases it’s just to check that you gave them the right number!

They are also persistent, so be prepared when you give out your number that you are going to be asked out. If you need time to think it over, you better take their number and you can call them in your own time then… which brings us to step three…

Step Three: Dating

Italians are in love with love. They love to make women fall in love. They are extremely romantic and old-fashioned. Italian men are very good at showing how much they care by paying “little attentions” to the woman they are with, including small gifts and romantic Italian phrases, and of course paying for her night out, like a true gentleman. This look is one of the most intriguing for women from other cultures.

However, while romance is definitely at the forefront of Italian relationships, an Italian man will find nothing wrong with looking at other women. In fact, jealousy plays a big role in a relationship.

Finally: Cultural Curiosity

In many other western countries the roles have changed between men and women, the woman can sometimes be the main breadwinner and the man who stays at home is the head of the house or indeed both work and the household chores are shared equally. In Italy they remain true to tradition. This means that many Italian men do not cook or clean, and many live with their families up to 30%2B, or until they marry (therefore the wife becomes their mother). Mammone is the term for a “mama’s boy” in Italy, something very common.

In Rome and Italy, it is important to understand the people who live there. The Italian stallion is a very real thing, and as a female it is a phenomenon that you will definitely encounter on your travels. I find it easier to take comments out loud as compliments. And if you are lucky enough to find a handsome Roman or not who wants to have a cappuccino with you, remember that if you give them your number, they will call you and most likely introduce you to their mother!