Say, for example a man from the USA or the United Kingdom fell in love with someone from India or alike. Do you think it is possible to comprimise and live in a totally differen culture even if you love someone?
Personally, I could never do it as you would be forced to live a totally different way of life and you could resent them for this. I do not think these relationships would work out, long term.
What is your opinion on relationships between vastly different cultures?
2006-06-13 07:23:52 · 24 answers · asked by becky_ms 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I have been with my polish girlfriend for 4 years and while our cultural backgrounds are not as vastly different compared with say an american and someone from india as you say, I still think it is perfectly possible for a cross-cultural relationship to be successful. As you said, in my experience it's all about making compromises and being realistic. You can never expect the other person to totally give up their way of life for you, so you have to meet half way, whether it means learning their language, trying new foods and making an effort to socialize with their friends and family who come from a different cultural background.
I think that it is not fair or right to expect someone to just conform to your own culture and traditions (gender roles in particular), therefore maybe it will only work with the sort of people who are open minded, easy going and trusting .
If you have love staring you in the face, I reckon it is a mistake for a person to automatically write off the possibility of a serious relationship just because the other is from a different country, therefore assuming that things would never work out. I have seen this attitude before and I just think that its a bit defeatist If its meant to be, its meant to be.
2006-06-13 08:14:19 · answer #1 · answered by Sattvik allanek 4 · 6⤊ 1⤋
It depends how people are. If they think their own culture is boring and want to try a different culture. Then it's a great idea. If there is respect of each others cultures( or religions), I think it's not going to be a problem at all. So many people are married to people from different cultures. The only problem that arises is when one of them wants to live in his/her own culture and the other does not.
Cultural differences are not that huge. If the person is from India for example and lives in the US, he/she would keep cultural values, but live up with the different cultural values of the US.
I know many cross-cultural relationships that lasted for life, and happier than most same-cultural relationships.
I think before committing to serious relationship with a person from a different culture, you should talk about your differences and see whether you can accept each other. Normally, you'd follow the cultural values of the country you are living in while keeping the most important ones from the country you are from.
2006-06-13 14:39:47 · answer #2 · answered by Rali K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Works for me. I'm white and my wife is from China we couldn't be happier. Open your mind and try something new. Other cultures offer a wealth of happiness on just kewl things to learn about them. You have to be nonjudgemental fr this to work because there are so many differences. Love conquers all. It does not matter race or culture if you really love each other. Even marrying someone of the same race takes much patience and comprimise. Not much difference either way. One has to work at a relationship to make it good.
2006-06-13 14:32:42 · answer #3 · answered by Jay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it CAN work, because it has worked many, many times. However, these relationships are almost always very difficult, especially at first. Couples from different cultures face a whole range of problems that same-culture couples don't have to worry about. As long as both sides keep an open mind and try to compromise, though, a happy relationship/marriage is definitely possible.
2006-06-13 14:29:50 · answer #4 · answered by Baron Hausenpheffer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely one party will have to compromise more of their culture, depending on where the couple chooses to live. But i don't think that necessarily this means the marriage could not work out. If you take for example 2 people who are of the same culture and similar backgrounds the divorce rate is huge in the US. But i think that those who are willing to love another culture without judging already have some assets that will help them cope with the stresses of marriage.
2006-06-13 14:28:52 · answer #5 · answered by Brance 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people enjoy experiencing a new and different culture from their own. I think if you truly loved someone, then you would have to appreciate their culture as well. You might experience some culture shock at first, but you'd be surprised what you could get used to.
And most areas, including India and other "exotic" locales such as Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, etc. have fabulous landscape, foods, history...it's all about being open-minded and ready for adventure.
2006-06-13 14:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by luckylab8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Becky, I'm a US citizen living in India with my Indian husband. Things are great between my husband and I, and my husband's family and I. There has been an adjustment period--and I am learning Malayalam, the language of Kerala. Sometimes I get homesick and want to eat a two all-beef patty, special sauce,,,you get the picture. There are compromises, but there are a lot of gains, for example, I don't have to work here--so I can dedicate my time to pursuing my art and take care of my family. My mother in law is darling (and a tough cookie sometimes...) and calls me daughter. Life is good. I use Skype to communicate with family and friends in the US. We are on our fifth year. My opinion is that absolute communication has to happen between both parties. My man always knows where I am on the map, emotionally. He lets me know if he has a bone to pick with me. It works fine...but I have witnessed disastrous multi-cultural relationships, and I think that it is from lack of cultural understanding on both partner's part.
2006-06-13 14:36:41 · answer #7 · answered by magnamamma 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very difficult to make a marriage of mixed cultures work - without having to move to another country.
I know someone who married an Indian man who was born and bred in the Uk and stayed 5 minutes away from her, but his family didn't accept her and the culture difference were very difficult for both of them.
Even though they loved each other the marriage eventually broke down. Sometimes unfortunately love isn't enough.
2006-06-13 14:30:33 · answer #8 · answered by sweetcandytoffee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are not open to different cultures and food and people how will you progress? This country is diverse- no matter where you live and if you are with someone and resent them for their culture later on- then you are plain stupid and were not raised with an open mind to accept/embrace others and be open to accept other cultures.
Just look at celebrities and regualr people that are diverse adn have diverse relationships...they work if you are accepting of a difference.
I am latina and date an italian--almost 5 yrs together!
Goodluck!
2006-06-13 14:28:55 · answer #9 · answered by simply_chic_04 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think any marriage can work if both people work at the relationship and are both willing to compromise and grow. Both would have to be willing to change to adapt to each other and give and take. Of course the one moving into the different culture would be giving more, but if it was true love it should be worth it. It should also be well thought out.
2006-06-13 14:27:58 · answer #10 · answered by teamkimme 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋