Can cultural differences cause significant problems in a relationship?

Answer 1

Because culture determines values (what we think is important in life), it can certainly cause problems in a relationship if the two cultures are very different. However, I could list a lot of long-term relationships in which the two people came from different cultures and made it work. I think you need to really look at your values - what you share and what you don't - beforehand, and you should give the relationship a lot of time to be sure before you do anything like get married or have children if you know there are likely to be issues. Then you need to remain vigilant and conscious of the likelihood that you might not always be looking at things the same way whenever you have problems.

Answer 2

If a person cares about what society and everyone close to them thinks then yes cultural differences can be significant problem in a relationship, but If a person truly loves the significant other and doesn't care what society and everyone close to them thinks, then no, there is no problem.

Answer 3

That really depends. Sometimes, if you aren't aware of cultural differences, you could unintentionally offend. If you have preconceived notions or biases that could lead to problems. I'll give you the same advice I give swimmers. Stay in the waters you are used to. If you can't tread water, why jump into a lake? If you are a marathon swimmer, go where you want. Translation? If you don't know much about a certain culture, learn before you date. There is nothing like stares and dead silence around the dinner table informing you that you are in over your head.

Answer 4

Wow..this one looks tough..well you need to give more info on things like your age and her age and how far away are you talking about? All I can say is that try to find someway to spend more time with her.. maybe in the summer (like summer break) also, try to comfort her about these worries for the future... If you both are serious about getting married you MUST confront her parents if not in person, on the phone, or letter or webcaming as you said in your post. Maybe you should send her gifts in the mail, since you can't be there physically maybe something of worth to you (like pictures together, a favorite t-shirt, etc.) could help her feel more at peace, just saying from a girl's point of view... I hope everything works out but give more detail about your situation, I would love to help :) Good Luck~!

Answer 5

It can only be a problem when one person in the relationship allows it to be. It also depends on where you are located. For instance if you are in a relationship with someone from another country and they are residing in your country, its up to them to behave in an acceptable manner and respect the culture and tradition of the country they are residing in. That does not mean you do not have to respect differences, it only means that the responsibility falls upon the immigrant. The same would apply if you were the one to reside in their country, they would have to respect you and your culture, but ultimatly you would have to defer to alot of their cultural ways.

Answer 6

Relationships are hard enough without throwing cultural differences in the mix. That isn't to say two people can't work these out. You need to take an interest in your differences and see how you can meld them together to make your own way of dealing with them.

Answer 7

first of all my heart goes out for you if u r in trouble because of cultural differences becaause i am in an interracial relationship and from another country too
but i dont think it can really cause major problems here is why
1- if you were 100% different and worlds apart in the bad sense of the word, then you wouldnt be here concerned and asking and you wouldnt be in that reltionship to begin with, because most of us like easy comfortable communication
2- gaps can always be worked out and talked about
3- dont try to change accept what you can accept and here is when you need to break up.. when u feel that the gap cant be crossed over
4- even in the same cutlure every one practices the one culture differently so in a sense the cutlure varied with each one of us
there fore there is no one easy cutlure for all of us to pratice
5- worry about ethics
that can cause REAL problems
if u guys have matching ethics then u probably be ok
also in ur head think about things that will never change about her and if u accept these qualities then ur realtionship is in a good shape
6- if you can trust her with ur wallet , ur money, ur plans for ur future then there is no cultural gap there
good luck

Answer 8

differences in general can cause problems in relationships.

but it depends how you look at it. if you make it a problem then it will be a problem. but at the same time, it can just add 'spice' to a relationship because you will keep figuring that person out - so you wont get totally bored with them after years.

it depends how much are you willing to let these problems be problems.

Answer 9

Yeah, but who cares? I have dates many girls of different cultures and personally havent had any problems with them. Now I think the problems usually come from other people.. hating on you. But you can handle that, I am sure. Do your thing.

Answer 10

Yes, they can. Especially if neither party is willing to take the time to understand the other's cultures and where the rules/traditions are coming from. It's all about mutual respect.