It comes sooner or later; the stares, the stupid questions, the judgement. Dating outside your race can be a bit of a challenge, but what these dobby-downers don’t understand is just how amazing and rewarding an interracial relationship can be.
1. A whole new world
Simply dating someone from a different part of the country can be a whole new experience and a different cultural background can add an entirely new dimension. Your partner will introduce you to new music, movies, books and even new hangouts in your own city. You will meet new people who will be profoundly different from the ones you usually encounter and you will discover new aspects about everyday things that you never even considered. Even if your interracial dating doesn’t last your mental horizons will have expanded considerably, a win-win in the long run.
2. Food, glorious food!
To eat authentic foreign cuisine, you’ll usually have to shell out major dough at a fancy restaurant for bite sized portions, everything else is (as your partner will inform you) an Americanized version of the same. An interracial relationship can be the gateway to a culinary journey that will be almost as good as travelling to the country in question. Prepare yourself for large helpings of entirely new tastes, and exciting new ingredients, not to mention an amazing learning experience.
5. Shopping
The impact of an interracial relationship on your wardrobe is not to be taken lightly. You will be introduced to new stores and markets, new fabrics, styles and accessories. Your partner can be a huge help in helping you overcome any hesitation about trying new looks, not to mention the fact that they may be able to help you score unique clothing items straight from the source. Think hand-made jewellery and Pashmina shawls. Yay!
4. Travel
If your SO is from a different country, and if they visit it regularly, then an interracial relationship will be the perfect opportunity for a unique vacation with your loved one. There is no better way to explore a new land than with someone who is intimately familiar with it. It will allow you to get up close and personal with their culture and heritage in a way that no guided tour can. It will also be a lot cheaper than a travel agency and before you start to say that this sounds extremely mercenary, understand that this is a step that should only be taken if you plan on taking your relationship to the next level. What better way to show your commitment then by immersing yourself in their country.
5. Language
There is no better way to learn a language than being taught by someone who loves you. It would also be an amazing personal gesture on your part and definitely comes under the heading ‘getting serious’. It is so much more interesting than taking a class or using an online course of some sort and the achievement of having learnt an entirely different tongue will be another reward altogether.
A relationship is your own personal journey but there will always be people eager to point out (or be) obstacles along the way. Thinking positively and focusing on how you can grow as a person will help you give your best and live happily (sort of) ever after.