LOVE FOR ALL: Interracial Love

All you need is love. This powerful feeling is a major source of joy, excitement, comfort, and wonder for us all. Love is something that we all crave, and we believe that it should be accessible to everyone. In our new Love For All series we’ll be discussing love in all of its many forms. The first chapter begins with interracial love and the cultural awakening it brings.

A Whole New World

They say the best way to learn about another culture is to live in the country for a little while. We disagree. If you truly want to embrace another culture, love someone from it. Of course, you can’t force love. But if you ever find yourself enamored with a person from a different race or culture, be prepared to discover a whole new world. From exotic cuisines to pop culture or even an entirely new language, being with someone from a different culture will open your eyes to a different way of life. You may even find yourself living in another country!

It’s vital to have an open mind when entering an interracial relationship. Sometimes the cultural differences will be minor, such as different word pronunciations. Larger challenges are often inevitable, like political differences or even periods of physical separation. However, we believe that true love conquers all. Discuss your core values early on in the relationship to ensure that you have a solid foundation. As long as the connection is there and you both agree on the big things in life, your relationship should be strong enough to last.

Learn To Make It Anywhere

Every relationship will have its fair share of obstacles, but interracial relationships may face them slightly more often. From language and distance barriers to unacceptance from strangers or friends, couples in interracial relationships often have to deal with things that other couples don’t. Fortunately, most interracial couples will agree that these challenges only make their relationships stronger.

Couples learn how to effectively communicate and confide in each other early on in the relationship, creating a deep bond that transcends borders and typical conventions. These challenges often stimulate the minds as well. Perhaps two halves of an interracial may choose to learn each other’s language to enhance their communication, or take up hobbies that are popular in each other’s cultures.

If the partners are from different countries, or even different parts of the same country, the compromise of where to live will likely come up. Flying across the world to be with the one that you love is the ultimate romantic gesture, but it’s also a significant act of sacrifice. Interracial couples must learn to be extra supportive of their partners as they adjust to their new lives and occasionally deal with homesickness.

Interracial relationships proves that love knows no bounds. It brings people together regardless of language, distance, appearance, and upbringing.

Broadened Horizons

Learning about all of your partner’s customs and lifestyle choices will change the way you see the world. As you begin to embrace parts of their culture, it will broaden your horizons and change your perspective on life. It will also help you understand your partner better. Things that may have confused you about your partner’s behavior will start making sense once you’ve spent more time around your partner’s family or in their hometown.

Most partners in interracial relationships will agree that their newfound knowledge of their partner’s culture has also enriched their lives outside of their relationship. Immersing yourself so deeply in another culture enhances communication with people across the board, improving relationships with friends, family members, and work colleagues. It may give you a deeper appreciation for your own culture while creating a deeper interest for others.

Being in an interracial relationship requires elevated levels of patience, empathy, and compromise, as you may encounter challenges you’ve never dealt with in other relationships. But it’s a rewarding experience that will give you a fresh perspective on love and on the world itself.

Writer: Maria Polansky