Sometimes our mistakes become invisible and if we don't acknowledge our mistakes it can lead to unhealthy relationships. Always remember mistakes always have room for improvement.

 

Read on to find out the common mistakes you could be making. 

 

1. Ignoring your religious differences

Sometimes, whether we realise or not we forget to acknowledge our partner’s religion. This can lead to believing that your religion differences are unimportant in the long term, this can question your commitment to the relationship.

 

Solution
Take some time out and ask your partner to explain the basics about their religion so you have some understanding. This way you're showing your respect and your partner will know you care.

 

2. Dismissing your family's concerns and cutting ties

Just because your family does not agree with your relationship, it's not always a good idea to cut ties with them especially for the long term. Do you really want hold yourself to blame for not having your family around?

 

Solution
Unless your family is abusive, rethink your decisions. Do you really want to be held responsible for losing contact with them all?

 

3. Disregarding the upbringing of your children

Often, we think the future is far away, so we tend to disregard topics such as circumcisions, baptism and other rituals required for your children.

 

Solution
It is always important to consider these issues sooner than later, so you and your partner are on the same page before it’s too late.

 

4. Convincing yourself that you understand all of one another's faith issues.
 

It might seem easier to tell yourself that you know everything that you need to know about your partner's faith and religion, but this can just lead to ignorance.

 

Solution
Test yourself, how much do you actually know? It is always the little things you need to know so unless you attempt to learn you will always think you know everything.

 

5. Love will conquer all
Believing that love is enough and it will conquer the interfaith problems. Even though this doesn't sound like something you may want to hear, love is not everything.

 

Solution
You need to make sure you both understand what it means to be in an interfaith relationship and the compromises that you will need to make.

 

6. Assuming conversion is the answer
Converting to your partner’s faith just to make them happy is not always the answer to problems.

 

Solution
Converting just for the sake of getting married is never the answer. Both you and your partner need to understand the religions, and question yourself. Do you really believe and will you be able lead the lifestyle in that religion. If your answer is yes then go for it, but if you don't know then take your time there's no rush, don't spoil your future because of your present.

 

7. Refusing to recognise common characteristics your religions may have.

 

Solution: Discuss your religions because even though it might bring up differences, there will also be common characteristics bringing you closer.

 

8. Forcing your beliefs upon your partner.

 

Solution
If you love your partner then there's no need to force him/her to belief in the same things as you, give them time and space to think through what they want.

 

9. Letting your families and friends dictate your interfaith relationship.

 

Solution:
Even though it's good to ask for help from others, don't let their opinions override your own, listen to your partner, and do what's best for the both of you.

 

10. Forcing your children to choose between their father and mother's religion.

 

Solution:
If you had the choice of marrying whom you want, allow your children to choose the path of faith they want to believe in. Give them the option of adapting both their religions into one.