Interracial Relationships — 11 Success Tips

Modern culture has brought many wonders to our society. Perhaps the most celebrated is our ability to embrace diversity. Today, people of all races and cultural backgrounds freely share homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and classrooms. We are free to share ideas and learn more about other cultures, much more than earlier generations were able to do. As a result, we live in a much more harmonious world that’s becoming increasingly tolerant of cultural diversity.

Every couple involved in a romantic union will face challenges from time to time, but mixed race couples can encounter particularly challenging issues. Facing these challenges and finding solutions will ultimately enable the couple to make their relationship even stronger. The confidence to endure the strongest conflicts is made possible by sharing the personal strength found in each other.

When two people from different cultural backgrounds unite, they are said to have an interracial or “mixed race” relationship. If you are involved in such a relationship, your background may be very different from that of your partner. As the relationship grows, of course, you and your partner will eagerly welcome each other to explore new cultural traditions.

You will experience the excitement of learning new traditions and meeting new people. At this point, certain anxieties can develop, and this is the point at which the potential for conflict can arise. For example, meeting your partner’s family for the first time is exciting, but existing language or lifestyle barriers can leave you feeling intimidated and concerned as to whether they will accept you into the family.

Your interracial relationship is unique, and the following suggestions can help you to celebrate your union when faced with adversity:

1. Use clear and friendly communications. Try your best to communicate clearly, despite any language barrier. Your friendly tone and expressions will speak volumes. Express your happiness at meeting the people who raised your true love. Your efforts to communicate will solidify the bond between you and your partner.

2. Learn more about the other culture. Try to become more involved in your partner’s life by learning more about his or her culture and traditions. Show your interest but don’t appear to be phony or overbearing.

3. Showcase your similarities. You can always find something in common with everyone you meet, regardless of any differences in culture or ethnicity. Always remain open minded, and don’t be afraid to share your opinions and interests. You’ll likely find that you have more in common than you thought possible. Don’t let your cultural differences inhibit your ability to connect. You and your partner have proven that different races can blend together beautifully. Mixed race couples can face unique challenges, but that is no reason to give up too quickly. Every lasting relationship is worth the effort.

4. Define the kind of relationship that you want and need. If this is the union that provides everything you need, keep reminding yourself that it’s worth maintaining. Be happy and true to your partner and to yourself.

5. Stay confident in your decision to pursue an interracial relationship. You went into the partnership feeling in love and invincible. Keep the feeling alive and you will keep your relationship strong despite the opinions of others.

6. Don’t let other people’s opinions bring you down. Negative comments can be hard to deal with, especially when they come from people who are important to you. Remember that the happiness of you and your partner is all that matters.

7. Live a happy life. The onset of a new relationship is the happiest, most exhilarating time of life. Allow yourself to make plans and share dreams about the future, and don’t let other people take hold of your happiness.

8. Be content and live freely. This is the most important fact of life, even if you are not in a relationship at all. If you are involved in an interracial relationship, remember that you live in a free country and have the right to live your life as you choose. Making the decision to be with the person you love will give you all the power in the world.

9. Share your happiness those you love. Your family and friends will love your partner as well. If you feel the need to hide your relationship, then you have bigger issues that should be dealt with. Despite any cultural differences that may come in to play, the happiness of you and your partner should be your ultimate concern.

10. Follow your heart. Countless relationships have been ruined because people analyze too much and ignore what their hearts are telling them. If you truly love your partner, then go ahead and love him or her freely and without doubt. Love doesn’t give second chances, so follow your heart and take it all the way.

11. Keep the lines of communication open. Talk to your partner about what makes your relationship strong, and about your fears. This will tell your partner that he or she is loved unconditionally and it will create a closer bond between you. Encourage your partner to open up and discuss his or her feelings with hesitation.

There is no greater gift to be given, or received, than love. When you find someone truly special that you can share this magical emotion with, you can’t let anyone or anything stand in your way. Our unique qualities are what makes this world such a wonderful place to be. Prove to yourself, and to your partner, that you are truly and happily in love. The rest of the world will glow in your happiness.