Dating someone from another culture can be quite challenging, especially since you and your partner can have different views, beliefs or values. Physical, cultural and religious differences are just some of the challenges interracial couples have to face quite often, especially at the beginning of their relationship. If you and your partner come from two completely different places with opposite cultural views, meanings and traditions, just read on and discover a few very helpful tips for dating someone from another culture:
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1. Communication
Good communication is one of the most important things that you should consider when you are dating someone from another culture. Probably neither of you are fluent in other person’s native language, so a lot of misunderstandings may appear. Just take some time and gather your thoughts so you can communicate them correctly. Always speak calmly and clearly to each other.
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Additionally, be patient and open-minded. Cultural nuances in language can add layers of complexity to understanding each other. It's helpful to ask questions if something isn't clear and to not assume that what might be a joke or a casual comment in one culture will be received the same way in another. Embrace the learning opportunity that comes with this, and consider even taking language classes together. Not only will you improve your communication skills, but you'll also show each other a deep level of commitment and respect by investing in the other's cultural background.
2. Respect Their Culture
Respect your partner’s religion, traditions, beliefs and values. Even if you don’t agree with them, don’t try to enforce your own opinion. Just accept the fact that you are different and see what you can learn from their culture and how those differences can enrich your life.
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3. Worldly Cuisine
When you are in an intercultural relationship, food is one of those things that will make your relationship so much better. Also try to consider the fact that because you and your partner come from two completely different places, you might have different palates. Try to get used to each other’s tastes and enjoy all the wonderful things that you can cook together.
4. Get Them Involved in Your Customs Too
If you are dating someone from another culture, try to get them involved in your own customs. Be careful and don’t push it or force it on them! Just have fun doing it and help them learn more about your culture, about your traditions, your religion, your beliefs and your values.
5. Don’t Try to Change Them
Actually, this is one of the worst things you can do when you are dating someone from another culture. Accept them for who they are, even if you don’t agree with certain things. You can’t change someone’s upbringing or culture. Learn to embrace your differences since exactly those differences is what makes them unique and that might be why you fell in love with them in the first place.
6. Have Patience
You need to have patience when you are part of an interracial couple because sometimes, misunderstanding can arise due to bad communication. Just take some time and think about what exactly caused the problem and focus your energy on trying to solve it.
7. Learn More about Their Culture
If you want to learn more about your partner’s culture, you could try to experience some of the things that make their culture so unique. If you can, learn their language or at least, basic words or phrases. Also, you can visit their country and see for yourself where they got some of their personality traits or quirks.
When dating someone from another culture, try to travel together more often so you can experience new and exciting things together, learn to cook some of their culture’s food, meet their friends and family and respect their country’s cultural norms and differences. Have you ever been in an interracial couple? What were the challenges that you had to face? Do you know any other tips for dating someone from another culture? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!
Comments
Zanna: My husband is from Guatemala. I love him deeply but the cultural differences are sometimes really challenging. So yes, you do just have to remember that you're different, remember that you love each other anyway and keep plugging along.
Liza: I'm dating a Muslim and I'm Christian. Things are crazy, you can't brake the love. There's lots of things that are challenging but being patient is the best way.
Kristy: It has been 5 months since I started dating my boyfriend who is a Muslim by birth. Religion was not on my mind at all when we started out but when he brought me home, it humbles me to a point as I set foot in another house full of the Malay culture. It took some time for me to adapt as my house does not have any Chinese artifacts. Still, I am happy that I met him as he gave me the love I needed and crave for in a relationship. I could not imagine that my partner would be from another religion, though in my country there is a melting lot of races and diversity. Truly, these tips are worth reading and to all couples out there, I wish you all the best and hope you live happily ever after like how I found mine. (:
Lilly: I am dating an arab from Egypt obviously a muslim and trust me it's a challenge but it's good to learn their culture . And respect their. I never knew the patiency would work but recently I have been and it feels so amazing. I am even planning to become a Muslim as I now understand the culture better than I did before :)
Kassandra: I am only 16 years old but it's teenage love so it's all these crazy feelings and emotions but my friend is a muslim and i am a christian. so its crazy to see how we can find a happy medium between my hispanic culture and his arab traditions. im very happy i found this advice. wish you guys all the best!
True: Dream on! I see all the women writing but no males. Dating is just used by liar guys a s a fancy word to get what they want and well on his way to another ethnic vibe. Get real certain race only prefer their race and will never date you. For sure they will use you and say will date you but never will seen this happen to a lot of my friends. Convey the message that dating has to end in marriage and see where it goes. I am happy for those all that married thoughtful men but this never happens.
Kayy: Mashallah Lilly M! Good for you :)
littlesunshine22: My husband is from the Philippines and let me tell you... It's challenging! But I absolutely love his culture and his food! All 7 are key to make it work!
Jonna: My boyfriend is from Hong Kong and I am European so sometimes culture clashes occur. We can see things very differently at times but I love how more open minder both of is have become. Also, Asian cooking really rocks!
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