Risks and Rewards in Cross Cultural Marriages

It is a fact of life that interracial marriages are increasing rapidly in the United States. Why is that? These reasons have been advanced by sociologists and demographers. 

The immigration of young men and women in the United States 25 years The increase in the student population in colleges and universities in different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.


More social and professional association of people from diverse backgrounds - through online sites, professional groups, advocacy groups, etc: 
Increasing social acceptance of cross racial marriages Globalization has increased the knowledge of other cultures and appreciation for people from other cultures.

So no intercultural marriages are interracial unions or long term?
Unfortunately, no. In fact, the evidence is that such marriages crumble before the usual measure of 10 years, more than marriages of the same race.
As you can imagine, there are particular challenges in interracial unions. Every race is a mix of culture, practices, beliefs, rituals, and racist, like it or not. When you try to merge cultures, conflicts may arise.
Here are some tips on how to maintain an interracial marriage. 


A. Have low expectations of acceptability. This is not a statement of "disappointment", but a fact of life. You may be lucky enough to be welcomed with open arms to another family, you can not. It is wise to start with the hope that you have to "prove" himself, at least within reasonable limits, to be loved and accepted. The "general public" more "normal" appears, the possibility that, if not all, you will find love in some corners of the other party. 


Two. Be yourself - within reason. Do not flaunt your religion, faith, cultural eccentricities, etc. A friend of mine married a daughter of the Middle East. He loved the bacon and ham, a taboo in the circles of the family of the girl. He chose wisely to avoid pork products restaurant. This is just a small token of respect for the traditions of the other family. 


Three. Take a position on the important things, leaving only the trivial things. Again, you should not be invoked at each step. 


April. Understand other cultures, even if you do not agree with all aspects. Aboriginal men and women speak loudly and do not use formal expressions of gratitude almost as much as Westerners do. It is only his cultural formation. You do not agree with it, but resist "change" their behavior. However, if you have nothing to flaunt through culture and the west reciprocity display. Will it be a learning opportunity for them? Maybe. You have at least the satisfaction of taking the high road, and you can look back with pride her boyfriend or husband in the eyes. 


May Work with your partner on some protocols involving children, visits, internships, etc. In some cultures, it is considered "normal" for a sudden drop in the houses of their relatives and stay for days. I will not allow. Gently but firmly, must be set with your spouse, the limits of what is acceptable behavior, even their relatives.