It’s the month of love and SA PROMO Magazine did some investigation into South Africans dating non-South Africans.

Annelise is dating a guy from New Zealand and now living in Auckland after meeting him while they were both living in London. They met in France while skiing on Christmas day three years ago.

What are the main cultural differences between you and your partner?

Hard one, have to say the Kiwis are very relaxed and anything goes, whereas we come from a more conservative, religious back ground.

What is the best thing about your partner not being South African?

I get to live in NZ! But I still have to watch rugby though! All Blacks are gods didn't you know!?

What are the challenges of dating a non-South African?

Being away from my family and a few language problems can cause some confusion with the communications at times.

What South Africanisms has your partner picked up from you?

Mainly foodie things like biltong, bobotie and Mrs Balls.

What elements have you adopted from your partner’s culture?

Where to begin! For starters, we in SA celebrate Christmas eve, but in New Zealand we have the big Christmas turkey dinner on Christmas day very much like in UK. We have barbecue on gas, not proper braais with a coal or wood fire!

In NZ, we live in wood houses not brick and tile. The kids have to go to school at age five. Lots of funny bits pop up every now and then that makes me realise how different we are. Like the other day I heard the word ranche slider! What the hell is that I thought! Apparently its the common word used for sliding door.

Fundamentally we are not that different and I suppose everyone has got their own experience and it properly depends on the two people involved and their upbringing. Basically we both come from families that love nature and the outdoors. So that's how we spend most of our weekends, hiking or on the beach. It’s a really beautiful country full of very warm and friendly people. My only regret is that I wish my folks were here to see our little girl grow up.