With worldwide travel becoming much more affordable and a greater movement of people looking for work it has become much more likely that you will date someone from another country. A cross-cultural relationship can be a truly amazing experience. There is so much to learn and so much to explore, it is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons. However, it’s not always easy to get beyond the first few dates because of differences in language and culture & religion. Here are a few tips to make sure your new relationship gets over those initial hurdles.

Language
One of the main causes of conflict in a relationship, especially a new one, is the language differences. Miscommunication is an issue at the best of times but if you don’t both speak the same language there is a lot more potential for misunderstanding. If you are both speaking in a third language this can also be difficult because one partner is usually more fluent than the other.

Whatever language you do decide to converse in, the key is to be as patient as possible. Always make sure you speak clearly and remember not to speak too fast. In addition, mumbling, making jokes or using phrases that only a native would understand will all put pressure on your relationship. Over time you will both improve your language skills but in the beginning it is very important to be careful what you say and how you say it.

On the other hand, if your partner does speak a different language it can be a great opportunity for you. Learning another language has many benefits including improving your mind (and your CV!) but there is nothing better than to hear ‘I love you’ in your native tongue.

Cultural and religious differences
You may find that your new partner comes from a country with very strong traditions and significant cultural differences from your own. Try to learn as much as you can about where you partner is from, what the culture is like there and in particular what their religious beliefs are.

It can be quite surprising what is considered acceptable or not in another culture, especially where women are concerned. Potential causes of conflict could be what you can wear, what you can say and to whom, whether or not you can go places on your own and what is considered to be your role in the household. Some cultures are strict and their traditions can be jarring if you come from a liberal country.

To avoid or at least minimise potential problems, it is worth learning as much as possible about their culture as soon as possible. Be very careful with what you say and how you act at the start of the relationship. Don’t change who you are but be a little cautious until you know what might cause offence and what is acceptable.

In both instances flare-ups are usually accidental. One of you may have done or said something without thinking or without even realising it might cause offence. When this occurs just take a step back, think before you start speaking and just remember that it probably wasn’t done on purpose. Not many people want to start an argument or want to antagonise their partner so try to be as understanding as possible and try to resolve the problem before the situation deteriorates.

Cross-cultural dating is a great opportunity to expand your learning. Your new partner can teach you so much about his or her country, culture, language, traditions and religion. If you can overcome these first few problems, it is a great chance to learn more about the world we all live in.

Relationships Culture, Interracial, Long Distance Relationship

Exhilarating, yet trying.

Foreign romances can be both extremely rewarding and challenging experiences.

If you’ve ever had a beau or beauty from a country other than your own, then you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. There’s excitement. It feels exotic. Somehow things seem different than in relationships with people from your native land.

You find yourself in awe over the small things. Sometimes it’s the cute accent. Sometimes the funny translations. And sometimes it’s just the way they continue to surprise you. Partners with a different mother-tongue often just keep coming up with thoughts and ideas that you may never have even contemplated. This is the good stuff. It’s what gives foreign romances that little something extra.

Yet differences can also translate into barriers. Without a common culture things can get tough, particularly in social situations. Take a typical evening out with a group of friends. If your sweetie is new to your country and language, it may be difficult for them to truly understand jokes, reminiscing or cultural references which are constantly made. Or, think about a trip to her/his parent’s house for the holidays. It can be awkward if none of you are able to communicate.

Things can get really hairy if you decide to marry. While the physical move from one country to the next may be a headache, immigration bureaucracy will definitely test your strength. Culture shock can also be very strong and put unanticipated negative stress on your relationship. And what if you decide to have children together? You may discover a new whole set of issues on which you and your partner vehemently disagree.

Making a foreign romance successful can mean a lot of extra work!

That said…..it’s well worth giving it a shot! – especially if you’re adventurous, tolerant and passionate about learning new cultures. Pairing up with someone from a different country provides a special opportunity to learn about an entirely new way of life. The more you become exposed to that other way of life, the more you develop your own knowledge and personality.

Keep in mind that just as meanings of love, romance, marriage, etc. vary across cultures, so may the motives for entering a relationship. I know plenty of folks who are happy with foreign partners for reasons other than so-called traditional ‘love’. A close friend, Steven, recently related just how happy he is for the incredible freedom he gets from his foreign wife. He says she (from Eastern Europe) is much more tolerant of ‘extramarital-ish’ behavior than women in his own society. And for him this freedom is really important. I have also spoken with women friends who say men from other cultures are attractive because they are much more passionate and attentive. For others, finances and visas are the real underlying motive.

Remember, there are lots of people living happy and exciting lives with foreign partners.
And you could too.

As well as numerous sites offering matchmaking services between Western men and foreign women such as AnastasiaWeb.com and InternationalCupid.com, there are also couple of articles you might want to check out on the topic: Why are Russian Women So Popular? and the finest Russian women still want American men – Why?

Wising you lots of luck in love,
Veronika Cardes

Relationships Culture, Foreign, Language, Long Distance Relationship, Love, Romance, Russian Women, Scam

When it comes to dating, you need to look around for the right person. In fact, you might have certain ideas in your head as to just who the ‘perfect’ person is. And there used to be a time when people limited themselves by only dating from the same race. But times they are a changing. According to recent online dating website surveys, it turns out that more Americans than ever are dating across racial and religious lines.

Why is this?

While it might not seem like it, the U.S. population is shrinking in terms of the dating pool – meaning that there are fewer people for everyone to choose from when it comes to dating. And with those diminished numbers, people are realizing that they might be hurting their chances of finding love by limiting the race of those that they date.

Another reason? It seems that the younger generations are more prone to experimenting when they date (not like that). They want to try new things when they’re young to see what all the fuss is about or maybe to defy some parental figure that’s criticized their behavior.

Dating services have not been slow to take up on this trend, for example White Women, Black Men, Interracial Cupid and Interracial Match offer dating and support forums for interracial relationships.

But hopefully that’s not the only reason to date!

America is becoming the melting pot that many believed it could be, and no other place showcases this trend more than online dating. Because you’re able to reach so many more people, why not increase your chances exponentially of finding something with similar tastes by focusing on the person and not just their race?

Relationships Black, Culture, Interracial, Men, Race, Relationships, White, Women