Cultures February 12, 2007 02:40:23 AM
They say when you're entering an inter-racial relationship that there are many challenges that each partner must overcome. I can honestly say that I never even thought twice about this fact just before asking Khine out. I guess I always thought that I was so dynamic and passive that there just wouldn't be anything that bothers me.
So it's been almost a year since we started officially dating and I'd have to say that things are still going pretty damn good. It has come to my attention, however, that no matter how accepting or in love you might be, you are not completely invincible to the effects of a cross cultural relationship. Since I keep using my self as an example, I guess I should at least say that while I didnt take lots of things into consideration, with some work, over time, anything can be worked out, if you're willing.
So there are a few things that I find interesting that newly formed inter-racial couples should consider that they may have never considered before. Like, most likely, there will be a pretty good differing taste for foods. Language itself covers several categories. Even if both partners speak the same language fluently, just being raised in different countries means, that you may not get each others jokes, or understand specific metaphors, or know specific slang terms for common nouns. Same goes for the very manner in which you speak your ideas. Intonation, inflection, and even your word's intention could easily be misinterpreted as something you never even thought of.
Ideals and values will most likely be different as well. Something thats not so important to one partner, may in fact be very important to the other. While that may not seem like an issue at first, I think it's only human nature for everyone to, at some point in their lives, fall back on the belief system and ways they were taught as youngsters.
So these were just some thoughts that went threw my head today. From my own experiences, I have encountered some of the things mentioned above, while others just came to mind. I also realized that some of the things I mentioned aren't upheld solely for cross cultural couples, lol, but for men vs. women sometimes too! So being able to deal with differences in each other is all dependent on how open minded you are, and how close you are to each other. How well can you compromise. Good thing for me, I've always liked different cultures and was fortunate enough to have found the greatest girl ever! ;-)
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COMMENT: Aw, Danny! And you're my greatest boy, ever! Makes me laugh reading some parts of it cuz of what came to my mind =) Having this entity, us, is making each of us grow, aren't we? Happy 11th monthiversary, Partner! I lovvvve you!