It’s true that there are plenty of fish in the sea, but that number is actually dwindling due to environmental decay and overfishing. And besides, not every fish you meet is going to be able to swim circles around you in multiple foreign languages. We’re here to make a case for dating polyglots — and not just because they can romance you with their sexy accents or sound impressive on paper, but because the personality traits that drive our multilingual heavyweights to do their thing actually make them desirable as romantic partners too.
If you’re curious about the world, in love with languages, and not willing to negotiate when it comes to having a strong intellectual spark in your relationship, then you’re going to want to hear us out.
Cultural Competence Is Pretty Hot
People learn languages for all kinds of reasons, but one of the traits that unites multilinguals is that they tend to be open-minded, curious about the world, and skilled at navigating and accepting cultural differences. Even if it was an accident of birth or circumstances that got you to learn additional languages, you’re still fundamentally more culturally competent when you know how to express yourself in more than one language because you’ve walked more than a few miles in someone else’s linguistic shoes, so to speak.
Moreover, people who are curious about the world are more likely to extend that same curiosity to their intimate relationships as well. This often translates to relationships that involve genuine mutual discovery (versus self-referential ego trips).
Polyglots Make Great Travel Partners
Polyglots can show you the world — shining, shimmering, splendid. If an adventure buddy is what you seek, then surely a polyglot could whisk you off your feet with their worldly knowledge and ability to get around in multiple languages?
Not only are polyglots often more gung-ho about visiting the far-flung corners of the globe, but they’ve also got the “talking to waiters and cab drivers” thing down pat, so you won’t have to stress too much about not knowing any Thai or German (unless you happen to be working on your Thai or German, in which case your special friend will be more than happy to help you practice).
They’re Not Afraid Of Challenges
Learning multiple languages is not for the faint of heart, and that’s why your intellectual superhero is not someone you’ll want to overlook. Language learning requires time, effort and concerted discipline, and polyglots are undeterred by any of that.
Does it stand to reason, then, that your polyglot amour will also be willing to commit to you as well, knowing full well that relationships sometimes require real work and the ability to overcome problems together? We don’t think it’s that big of a stretch.
They’re Motivated By A Desire To Connect With Others
Why would someone put in the time and effort to study so many other languages unless they genuinely loved connecting with other people? And not just any other people, but specifically people who may have a very different cultural outlook than they do?
Polyglots do what they do because they thrive on bridging differences, and because they have a deep appreciation for humanity. Get yourself a partner who respects differences and humanity.
They Have An Advanced Ability To See Things From Another’s Point Of View
This all leads to the last point, which is that polyglots have a lot more practice with that whole “putting yourself in another person’s shoes” thing. And this is a good trait to have in a partner, because when one has the ability to articulate their ideas through the lens of an entirely different set of cultural values, they may also have the emotional skills necessary to try to understand where you’re coming from when you inevitably wind up disagreeing about something.
And that, friends, is what we call advanced emotional intelligence.