Kimora Lee and Djimon Hounsou just wed earlier this year, and the ring hasn’t even had time to settle on her finger before we start to ask…

How did Kimora manage to snatch such an alluring African man? And… the better question, why did he choose her instead of a beautiful African woman?

Welcome to America, home of the largest racial and cultural appetizer sampler in the world.

It’s no surprise when working together, living together, shopping and dining together that our African men (and women) will want a taste of something a little different.

If you do decide to approach your sweet Asian neighbor, or sizzling Puerto Rican classmate, here are some tips on making the cultural transition go a bit smoother.

DON’T make every date a crash course on African history. You want to be clear and proud of who you are, but there’s no need to start teaching your native tongue, or to re-enact the 1980’s revolution. Women who feel pressured to learn another’s culture or history to quickly feel overwhelmed and are likely to call it quits.

DO resist the deep urge to take your Japanese date to a Japanese restaurant. He or she can probably make their favorite meal better than any restaurant. And probably did earlier that day! You can also toss out the idea of your favorite local Nigerian spot as a first date meal. Try some place new and exciting to both of you. Finding your way through a new menu together can create a cozy bonding experience for you and your date.

DON’T ask to try your date’s drink, or soup or anything else from their plate. That’s not first date territory. It is bounds to never answer your call again. And speaking of calls…

DON’T feel too devastated if your date didn’t feel the same spark as you did. If you had a good date, it’s okay to be the first to call and say so. It is also okay invite him or her on a second date. Leave a voice-mail if you don’t get an answer. After that, the ball’s in their court. Don’t call back or text until they do so. Also, by no means, should you leave a ‘final’, voicemail or text saying something bitter, like, “Have a good life.” There is always the possibility that they are busy or unavailable, and if you had any chance, you certainly wouldn’t after that.

DON’T take calls during your date. (Unless it’s an absolute emergency) And if you do take an emergency call, use English as your conversation language. There is nothing that will make your date feel more detached from you than a lengthy conversation that they can not understand.

DO be yourself. Wear clothes you’d normally wear, and plan an activity that you know you’d like. Even if you’ve never done it, it’s safe to assume you’d be comfortable bowling, for example. If you’ve never been bull riding, the first date isn’t the time to try.

Related posts:

1. WHARTON Africa Business Forum | CULTURAL CONCERT AFTERPARTY
2. Beware of the Red Lobster(chic) [True Story]
3. Shoe Bizness
4. UNMASKING OF CULTURE | Suffolk University, Boston, MA
5. MecMen Naija Pride | Music