{"id":57936,"date":"2019-03-01T05:52:59","date_gmt":"2019-03-01T05:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/intercultural-marriage\/"},"modified":"2024-12-26T12:25:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-26T12:25:00","slug":"intercultural-marriage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/relationship\/intercultural-marriage\/","title":{"rendered":"10 things to Know During an Intercultural Marriage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"7<\/p>\n

Intercultural marriage problems are common for partners with very different backgrounds. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re pleasant or easy to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it’s because of travel, study abroad programs, or online dating, more people than ever are entering an intercultural marriage. This beautiful celebration of love isn’t without its challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will take time to understand the new culture and that’s okay. In the meantime, here are 10 tips on how to deal with intercultural <\/span>marriage problems<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is the intercultural marriage definition?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

An intercultural marriage is one where couples come from different religious, cultural, or ethnic backgrounds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Intercultural marriage should not be confused with an interracial one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interracial marriage is when two people of different races marry. However, intercultural marriage is when two people (who may or may not be the same race) have different cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, an Indian woman born and raised in the United States may have different values than an Indian man born in India.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>5 advantages of intercultural marriage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Intercultural marriage offers the advantages of cultural exchange, expanded worldview, exposure to new traditions, increased tolerance and understanding, and the possibility of a unique and enriching family dynamic. Let’s look at 5 major advantages of an intercultural marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n

  1. You improve your communication skills<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>

    Communication is key to a successful marriage, especially for intercultural couples.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Being with someone who has different values and habits than you forces you to improve your <\/span>communication skills<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Sure, “opposites attract”, but that doesn’t mean the marriage will be easy-breezy. To have a healthy and <\/span>lasting relationship<\/span><\/a>, you will need to quickly learn how to listen and express yourself with kindness.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>10 Effective Communication Skills in Relationships for Healthy Marriages<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
    2. You have a chance to learn a new language<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Traveling to your spouse’s home country gives you and any children you have so much opportunity to live a bicultural, bilingual life.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Related Reading:<\/i><\/b> Romance Languages Five Ways to Love and Be Loved<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
    3. You have a more diverse life<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Being part of a multicultural family opens you up to so much love and diversity in your life.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Through your differences, you learn to navigate a new and exciting path. This opens you up, as well as your friends and family, to appreciate all of the amazing facets of your spouse’s culture.<\/span><\/p>\n
    According to <\/span>Jennifer Jacobsen Schulz<\/span><\/a>, a licensed clinical social worker:<\/span><\/p>\n
    Diversity is a fact of life, and having an intercultural marriage can prepare you to interact with diverse groups of people in daily life, such as in the workplace.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
    4. Your food options have multiplied<\/b><\/h3>\n
    For most people, food is linked to happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n
    One amazing advantage of marriage in different cultures is that it opens your palate up to new flavors and cooking styles and gives you a wider array of dinner options.<\/span><\/p>\n
    5. You keep an open mind<\/b><\/h3>\n
    One of the most beautiful things about an intercultural marriage is that it opens your mind to things you never thought you would experience before.<\/span><\/p>\n
    There is a saying that goes: “Eat the fish, spit out the bones.” Or in this case, take what you love about your partner’s culture and leave the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Whether it’s travel, new recipes, or embracing a new way of life, being with someone of a different background can make your life feel rich and diverse.<\/span><\/p>\n
    \"Learn<\/p>\n
    <\/span>5 disadvantages of intercultural marriage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
    Intercultural marriage can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with challenges. In this article, we will explore five common disadvantages of intercultural marriage that couples may face.<\/span><\/p>\n
    1. Rude comments from other people<\/b><\/h3>\n
    If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know how jarring it feels to have complete strangers weigh in on your pregnancy and motherhood plans.<\/span><\/p>\n
    If you are in an intercultural marriage, the same shocking comments apply.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Strangers are not shy about telling you what they think about your interracial marriage or multiracial child.<\/span><\/p>\n
    People like to think they know all about your spouse based solely on some inappropriate stereotyping they’ve read about or heard through some anecdote.<\/span><\/p>\n
    2. Difficulty raising children<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Figuring out how to navigate holidays, dinner choices, and different parenting styles can be incredibly frustrating.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Jennifer Schulz, LCSW, further shares:<\/p>\n
    When these issues arise, it can be helpful to focus on areas of common ground.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
    You may butt heads with your spouse, which can be confusing for children who often thrive when seeing a united family front.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Related Reading: <\/i><\/b>How Raising Kids Today Is a Lot Different Than 20 Years Ago<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/pre>\n
    3. Disapproval from friends or family<\/b><\/h3>\n
    The <\/span>Journal of Behavioral Sciences<\/span><\/a> found that intercultural marriages can cause conflicts that cause couples to be less satisfied with their marriages.<\/span><\/p>\n
    This is no wonder since studies show that intercultural couples often receive <\/span>disapproval from friends<\/span><\/a> and family both before and after marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Without a doubt, disapproval from the people you love can put unnecessary <\/span>stress and anxiety<\/span><\/a> into a marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n
    4. A feeling of loneliness<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Coming from two very different backgrounds, the problems you and your spouse face may feel extra nuanced to you.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Because of this, you may feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to who fully understands the intercultural marriage problems you’re up against.<\/span><\/p>\n
    This can cause you to feel somewhat lonely and isolated.<\/span><\/p>\n
    5. Higher risk of divorce<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Whether it’s the stress of a disapproving family or trying to navigate different cultural backgrounds, research indicates that intercultural marriages are at <\/span>greater risk of divorce<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
    This is not a great feeling, as intercultural couples will have to work extra hard at learning to respect and understand one another.<\/span><\/p>\n
    <\/span>10 coping strategies for intercultural marriage<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
    An intercultural wedding is a beautiful event, but there are definitely some things you should know before and after you make your way to the altar.<\/span><\/p>\n
    1. Speak about your roles in marriage<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Gender roles may not be something you cared about while dating, but now that you’re married and family opinions are involved, your roles may shift.<\/span><\/p>\n
    To avoid intercultural marriage problems, you should talk about your future expectations of each other.<\/span><\/p>\n
    2. Your in-laws are your family now<\/b><\/h3>\n
    Your in-laws will probably be a part of your marriage.<\/span><\/p>\n
    If you’re used to a life where you only see in-laws at celebrations, you may be surprised at the roles of parents from a different culture.<\/span><\/p>\n
    When they visit, they may expect to stay with you for weeks or even months at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n
    Speak with your partner about healthy parental boundaries before a visit from your in-laws so that you can avoid any awkward hiccups and get on the same page.<\/span><\/p>\n
    If you’re looking for tips on how to manage in-laws in marriage, watch this video:<\/span><\/i>
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