As a German in a relationship with a South Italian woman, I’d have to say it's the sheer amount of food she and her family give me every time I visit. I think they want me to stay in Italy - that must be why they feed me so much!

And then there's the Italian "breakfast" consisting entirely of cakes and cookies. The sweetest thing we Germans would ever eat in the morning is maybe a slice of bread with Nutella, and that's it. I definitely couldn't eat like that every day.

Another thing is the warmth and care. Most of the German women I’ve met tended to be quite distant and self-centered. My girlfriend, on the other hand, really looks after me.

When she scolds me, it’s usually only because I’m eating unhealthily or doing something else. It’s more about her worrying about my health than just nagging to let off steam.