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Every culture has its own traditions around love and sex. Some cultures celebrate polyamory relationships, while others only have one partner for their entire life. Every culture has a different idea of what’s ‘normal’ in a relationship. In the UK, we aim to date a few people, marry one and have children. Sometimes the marriage breaks down, and we get divorced. The dating game starts again, and we find a new partner. Although, of course, it’s never quite as simple as that.
Let’s take a closer look at how other cultures view sex around the world.
Brooklyn, USA
In Brooklyn, polyamory is on the rise, and many people have multiple lovers. Polyamory rejects traditional American values and the need for labels. Instead, they embrace collective living and the belief that everyone should have their own needs and desires. Polyamory has become a social scene in Brooklyn, New York City.
Cambodia
The Kreung tribe in the northeast of Cambodia builds love huts for girls. The Kreung parents encourage their daughter to socialise with local boys until they find the one they want to marry. It’s a little different from UK parents and their open-door policy. British teenagers can’t even hang out with a friend in their room without the door being open.
Unfortunately, in 2003, a young girl was attacked by a Khymer businessman, and the tribes stopped building huts. The love huts only exist in remote villages these days.
Mangaia, Cook Islands
The Mangaia tribe has sex mentors. Yes, you read that correctly. When a boy turns 13, an older man will take him away for two weeks to teach him about sex. He will be taught about female pleasure, different positions and how to help a woman orgasm repeatedly. Sadly, female members do not have the same teaching regime. However, the girls are encouraged to have multiple partners before marriage and to explore their sexuality.
Alabama, USA
The Alapine Village is a lesbian village in Alabama, USA. The female-only commune was founded in 1997, and attendance is fairly flexible. You can live there full-time, short-term or seasonally. The women farm the land, share poetry readings and full moon circles at night. It’s all about female nurturing and support. You could try it out for a week to see if you like female commune living. Just remember to pack your favourite lingerie set, in case you meet the woman of your dreams.
The next time you go abroad, make sure to research the local perspective on love and sex.