Ethnic and Cultural Differences: How They Influence Relationships

Thanks to the growing popularity of online dating services, as well as the curiosity of people, there are more and more international couples that get married. At initial stages, this is so romantic to fly to another country on a date, receive postcards and gifts from abroad, chat and message each other every night, etc. 

However, earlier or later, the period of affection comes to an end. People from different countries have been brought in different traditions and have different points of view. Will this change their relationship? Can this gap be filled with anything? Let’s find out.

What Are the Possible Arguments?

First, let us think about the aspects of relationships which are influenced by ethnic and cultural discrepancies:

  • Attitude to marriage and its necessity;
  • Plans for the future parenthood;
  • The necessity to visit family holidays and numerous celebrations of relatives;
  • Common pastime;
  • The possibility to spend time separately, etc.

These are the most common problems experienced by international couples. If they plan to get married the question of the place of residence can also be raised. Most often, a bride moves to the country from which her future husband is. But sometimes, there are family matters or business that are the reason for her to stay in her native country. 

Why Does This Happen?

In the contemporary globalized world, cultural discrepancies are rare and almost eliminated. Though, there is a matter of religion and family values that are considerably different. Even if your future partner seems to share the same points of view, it is always worth paying attention to what their families think. After all, parents sometimes can make them change their minds.

Ways to Overcome These Discrepancies

Even if it seems that both of you want different things, it does not mean that there is no way out. Let us consider possible solutions for most common problems.

  • If your partner insists on getting married but you are not ready for this commitment, begin with an honest conversation. There is no need to hint. After all, it is possible to promise each other to return to this matter in half a year. Probably, you will find a compromise, engage, and prepare for a huge wedding party that will take place in two years.
  • The same approach should be applied to having children. If any of you is not ready for parenthood, begin with getting a pet. This is a good rehearsal before getting a baby. Take a pause for medical investigations, this is a responsible attitude to the matter.
  • If you cannot decide where to go on Christmas, make a plan for the upcoming year and share it with the relatives so that no one is offended that Easter will be spent in another country. After all, they will need to accept that two families live in two countries.

Honesty and compromise are keys to successful and happy relationships, even if they are international.