INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Dealing with Cross-Cultural Differences in Relationships
Have you ever been in love or dated someone from a different culture? Maybe you’re interested in pursuing a relationship with someone who comes from a different country.
If so, then you’ve either dealt with or are interested in knowing how to deal with the differences that are bound to come up.
To be fair, differences are inevitable. A relationship is commonly a union between two individuals, and no two individuals are exactly alike.
But dealing with differences rooted in culture can be more complex because it’s not just a person you’re trying to get to know but an entire system of belief and way of life.
Yet love is known for sowing unity in diversity. Knowing how to respectfully navigate cross-cultural differences is worth it.
Lead with curiosity and mindfulness
See yourself as a student of culture and approach learning about it with humility. Read and do your own research. You can choose to take language lessons, attend multicultural events, get to know more people from your partner’s culture, and seek the wisdom of other couples who have faced similar situations.
Ask your partner honest questions. It’s understandable if you’re worried about offending them, especially if you are just getting to know each other. So consider saying, “There’s something I’d like to know, and I hope I don’t offend you by asking. I’m just trying to understand better.”
This is a two-way street. As a couple, you should be willing to share your cultures with each other.
Make open communication a habit
If you like reading about relationship topics, then you must’ve come across this advice a lot. That’s because this advice works most of the time.
Couples who are navigating cross-cultural differences can benefit a lot from open communication. But be mindful of differences in practice. Some cultures promote a more cautious approach to it, while others favor something more direct.
The point of open communication is for the couple to express and be aware of each other’s needs without being pushy. It also doesn’t depend on just talking. If you find that your partner is hesitant to open up to you, don’t push and don’t assume it’s something you have to fix. Be respectful and flexible.
Be mindful of nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language. Sometimes, they can mean even more than words.
Respect your differences
You won’t always agree on everything, and that’s okay. You can say the same thing for couples who don’t have cross-cultural differences to bridge.
Respect follows when you remember that one culture isn’t better than the other. Understanding should come before judgment.
Be more aware of your own cultural identity and values and be willing to compromise where and when you can.
Focus more on your shared values and viewpoints. Just as there will always be differences, there will also be plenty of bonding points. Relationships are strengthened by the couple’s similarities and shared goals.
Conclusion
Dealing with different cultures and backgrounds requires more than love. You need the willingness and the humility to learn about another culture. You need mutual commitment and, most important of all, respect.
All relationships have their challenges, but when you meet the right person for you, the rewards more than outweigh the difficulties.
It’s also worth noting that cross-cultural relationships contribute to the building of a more unified global community, one where diversity is celebrated and respect is the norm.
Also published on Medellin Singles
