When you start up a new relationship, there are many feelings to process. From excitement to anxiety, to ultimate happiness to nervousness, the beginning phases of a relationship are a time worth remembering. Whoever you are dating, there are going to be certain things you need to keep in your mind. When two people come together from different walks of life, patience and compromise are required to make sure you can invest in a happy future together. This is particularly true when it comes to dating someone from a different racial or ethnic background to you.
Dating outside your race brings with it cultural interest and potential for learning moments with someone you deeply care about. Interracial dating is much more socially acceptable now and less frowned upon. However, as with any relationship, you need to remain sensitive and understanding to your partner.
To give you guidance and support in your interracial relationship, bear in mind some of the following tips.
Race does make a difference
The difference that race makes isn’t necessarily a bad one. Societal judgement and stereotypes can make dating outside your race a bad thing. While there will be cultural differences, there is nothing wrong with this. In fact, interracial dating can become much more about sharing values, customs, and histories of your own race. Learning from your partner is a beautiful bonding experience.
There may be societal judgements
The truth is that we live in a socially judgmental world. While the world is much more of a melting pot today than it was in the past, there are still misconceptions about dating outside your race. Just bear in the mind that most of the negative judgement will come from older generations. Different generations have different expectations about relationships and dating. There may be some disapproval in your family even. Nonetheless, it is important to have confidence in your relationship around your family and in wider society.
Meeting the family is inevitably more complicated
There is always pressure when meeting your partner’s family under any circumstances. When you have to take into account the fact that your partner’s parents may speak a different language, have very different social outlooks, and have different religious practices to you, it can be even more intimidating. It is important to always be respectful when meeting your partner’s parents. Talk with your partner before the event occurs and make sure you know certain topics to steer away from. Respect and politeness is the ultimate goal in this scenario.
Prepare for some stupid questions
Once again, society has a strange perspective on interracial dating. This may lead to certain people asking ignorant and plain dumb questions. Even some of your friends may ask things that are essentially irrelevant. Some of these questions may include: what do you think your children will look like; what do your parents think; isn’t easier to date within your race. Whatever the question is, just remember that your happiness is the answer in the end. If someone makes you happy, nothing should stand in the way of being together. Especially societal ignorance!