6 Inconvenient Truths About Intercultural Relationships

So, you’ve found yourself in an intercultural relationship. All seems well on the surface and the first few dates, but you soon find yourself embroiled in matters that have more to do with your cultural differences that your actual relationship.

As much as we’d like to accept that everything will be fine and dandy as long as you and your partner love each other, there are still external forces that existed long before you met each other. Some of those may change within the next few years, like with so many positive upheavals that have already happened, but some things can’t be changed so easily.

That’s especially true when you’re faced with ancient traditions that you or your partner were raised to adhere to. This includes religion, marriage customs, local laws, and even family traditions.

# A lot of cultures have meddlesome families

That’s why it’s a culture. Most tendencies to meddle are derived from the family values they have espoused since ancient times. Although you and your partner should be allowed to make decisions on your own, some immediate and, most of the time, extended members of the family will want to put their two cents in.

# There’s still the case of following certain rules for marriage

Some marriage customs are difficult to adhere to. Like giving a dowry, for example. The problem with this is that some marriages don’t receive the welcome they deserve because the couple failed to follow the customs of said wedding. Imagine having to get circumcised just so your partner’s parents will allow the marriage. If you are hoping for smooth sailing, don’t just ignore the traditions unique to you and your partner’s respective cultures.

# Religion is almost always a crucial discussion

What religion will your future children follow? Why do you have to stop eating pork? Which of you is going to convert? Those questions are gravely important to some people, and they can affect your relationship more than you realize. There is also the issue of the practices that each religion follows, and how these will play a role in your daily lives.

# Racism still exists and affects your lives

As much as we’d like to deny that fact, racism still affects us in some of the most important aspects in our lives, like marriage, career, and community. Denial is dangerous, especially if you live in a place with fewer open-minded people. You and your partner need to take precautions, or at least stand up for your right to be in an intercultural relationship.

# Genetics are a sticky subject

Unfortunately, one of the most heartbreaking truths is that certain races have a predisposition for rare genetic diseases. You and your partner will need to be tested for these types of things, especially if you want to have children.

Most people ignore this fact, thinking they’re the exception. It is better to know what you’re facing in terms of health, than to turn a blind eye and be shocked when something bad happens to your health or your baby’s.

# There’s still a significant amount of cultural bias among minorities

Most of the facts come off as a joke, but it is still true that there are underlying biases among minorities, like not wanting to date someone from their culture. For example, some Asian women don’t want to date Asian men because of their typical family values. This can be damaging when it’s discovered that your preferences lie in societal biases, and not genuine attraction to a person.