The advent of the Internet has changed the face of
dating forever. No longer are men and women restricted to dating within their
own cultures and communities. Internet dating allows multicultural,
multi-language and even multi-continental relationships to spring up in a
setting that is devoid of the many stereotypes and prejudices that can make it
difficult for multicultural sparks to fly in the ‘real world’. Men and women
can embrace and celebrate terrific diversity in this new era of dating,
exchanging old taboos for unity and a chance at love that breaks traditional
barriers.
The Family
Any individual interested in multicultural dating must understand that there
are more than just two people involved in a long-term relationship. A new love
interest comes attached to a family, which may not be as progressive as others
when it comes to crossing cultural boundaries’.
It is wise to prepare for possible resistance when first meeting a new love
interest's family. Two general rules of thumb can help to prepare new for a
potentially bumpy ride with the relatives:
1. Homework Helps - Before arriving at the front door, an
individual should study the customs and culture of the family in question. This
helps ensure that there will be no embarrassing faux pas and will also provide
concrete ways to communicate honour to the relatives.
2. Give It Time - Families may hold on to certain misconceptions
about a new multicultural relationship until they are disproved. They may
believe that the relationship is just an experimental fling, an attempt to
escape one's own culture and be rebellious or an opportunity to climb the
social status ladder and fit into certain social groups. The only real way to
combat these misconceptions is to demonstrate real love and commitment for
one's partner over time.
Society
While the number of multicultural couples is growing, they still represent a
small percentage of the population. It is a common misconception that interracial
couples are discriminated against or made to feel awkward in public. While this
does happen at times, the vast majority of mixed couples enjoy a high level of
acceptance in most parts of the world.
If a multicultural couple does happen to encounter prejudice or
misunderstanding in some parts of the world, it is wise to approach the
situation as a teachable moment. Couples should educate those whose bias is
based on ignorance, and attempt to be patient and forgiving with those who
simply cannot understand. Above all else, it is smart to not let the odd
discriminator steal the joy out a good thing.
Interrelationship
Many people mistakenly assume the individuals involved in a multicultural
relationship have no prejudice or stereotyped expectations concerning other
cultures. This assumption is false, as every virtually everyone harbours
certain untrue beliefs about people from unfamiliar backgrounds whether this is
based on media perceptions, cultural stereotypes or personal experience.
Couples should exercise honesty and patience with one another. Love is a
learning experience and stereotypes will be broken only with real communication
and trust.
The Internet has made multicultural romance a real option in today's global
society and whilst there are no set rules to dating from outside ones’ own
culture or race, giving them the same respect and care you would to any new
partner may not always be enough to bridge the gaps, so be sure so make an
extra effort to understand the other person. This said, every couple will be a
unique situation where their families’ acceptance and support is concerned but
being respectful, honest and faithful should win over most partners’ families.
One thing is certain though, misconceptions are being shattered and unity is
accelerating around the world.
Author Bio:
This is a guest post by Louise Mitchell, a
relationship expert and advises couples with relationship troubles as well as
helping singles on the ways to find the best partner for them. Louise is
currently consulting with Lovestruck on their on-line dating site to help singles use
a profiling service to help people find specific traits they are looking for in
a partner to help you find your perfect match in the Singapore Singles Dating Scene.
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