Traditional gender roles still prevail in varying degrees. Mexican men may hold on to the concept of male machismo, or being "macho," while women are often taught to play up their femininity in the hope of attracting a potential mate. Many men and women still believe the man should be the dominant partner in a relationship. Depending on the stage of the relationship, things differ from stage to stage.
Things begin with the courtship. Just about every lady who lives in close proximity to a Mexican community has heard the yelling, whistling and shouting that is sent their way by the Mexican men as they walk by. Yes, Mexican men love to flirt in that way but when it comes to someone they seriously like and would like to date they are usually much more respectful. Again, with the younger generation and the Americanizing of Mexicans this is not always going to be the case but we are talking about traditional Mexican dating values. Usually a Mexican man will be the first to make the move on the woman he wants to date but he will do it in a very sweet way such as bringing flowers. In addition, most Mexican men will insists on paying for the entire evening and a Mexican woman would very easily become offended or taken a back if asked to pay for her half of the evening when on a date with someone who is not of her culture.
Mexicans tend to be romantic and may come off as strikingly sentimental compared to their American counterparts. They are more inclined to shower one another with mushy terms of endearment on a constant basis. Public displays of