How to Have Successful Relationships Across Cultures

The explosion of the Internet and the ready availability of cheap flights have brought many individuals into close contact with different cultures. Learning about another way of life can be eye-opening. It can also be challenging. Coping with culture shock can be difficult for even the most experienced traveler. If you add a personal, romantic relationship into the mix, the challenge of communicating across cultures can seem nearly impossible.

Internet dating is more popular now than ever before. Many people are meeting that someone special online. While some daters choose to communicate only with individuals in their own geographic area, others have a taste for adventure. They enjoy corresponding with special men and women from far-flung locales.

Travelers often fall in love far away from home too. Whether volunteering with a charity or visiting the world's great landmarks, chances are travelers will come into contact with people from different areas. No one can control when he or she falls in love. Falling in love abroad is increasingly common.

Thanks to the openness of many cultures, being involved with someone from another country or area is no longer frowned upon. With a little work and a lot of patience, you can certainly cultivate a strong relationship with someone from a different country. Keeping a few guiding principles in mind can assist you and your loved one as you grow your new relationship.

Remember that it's not about culture. In reality, you may be in love with someone who has grown up in a manner completely different than yourself. If you are dating someone from a culture significantly different from your own, you may be overwhelmed. It's easy to feel like every disagreement you have is over some cultural difference.

Truthfully? Understandings and disagreements can bloom because of cultural differences. What's acceptable in one culture is forbidden in another. Be careful not to brush aside problems with the excuse that 'it's different in my culture.'

Open up to your significant other and discuss cultural differences with him or her. Reach an agreement or compromise when you find something particularly challenging. Writing off disagreements caused by cultural misunderstandings can lead to serious problems in the long run.

Keep an open mind. If you weren't an open-minded person, you probably wouldn't be in a relationship with someone from a different culture. Keep this in mind when you are shocked by the cultural habits or customs of your significant other. This is particularly important if your significant other's culture places more stress on family relationships than your culture does.

Be willing to interact with your partner's family and friends. Try to participate in customs that seem strange to you. If something truly makes you uncomfortable, don't use the 'my culture is different' card. Pull your partner aside and explain why you aren't comfortable. Listen to their suggestions and try to challenge your own fears and insecurities. After all, relationships are about growing both as individuals and as a couple.

Create new traditions. Holidays and special events can be some of the most trying times for partners from different cultures. The treasured traditions of one country may be completely foreign to those from a different area of the world. Instead of arguing about what you will do as a couple, agree to partake in events from each culture.

If your partner can't be with his or her family during holidays, consider recreating some of his or her culture's treasured traditions at home. Gently prod your partner about what their family does on holidays. Do research online or find a cultural association or club in your area that can provide you with information.

Most importantly, create new traditions. Make special foods. Host a party or event that you can look forward to throwing to for years to come. Creating new traditions will provide a solid base for your relationships and will create stability for any children that may be in your future.

Communicate well and often. Remember that communication is the cornerstone to any relationship. If you and your partner don't share a native tongue, you may experience the difficulties of translation. Work through them together. Consider your new relationship an opportunity to learn a new language and new customs. Revel in the growing pains, knowing that the fruits to come will be all the sweeter.