A How to; prepare yourself for an interfaith relationship

 

Individuals in our race and culture, play a major part in our everyday lives. One way interfaith or interracial relationships can be defined is when two people of different religions are in a relationship.

So, when two religions combine and form a relationship, be ready to face the questions that come with it.

 

1. The Parents or Your Partner  

No doubt that there are many parents who accept interracial relationships. However, there will be those parents who might find it hard to understand the idea of interfaith relationships. This might eventually lead to you asking yourself the big question; what is more important your relationship or pleasing your parents. So, before getting into an interracial relationship maybe ask yourself if it is worth it? Or will you have the courage to choose between your family or your partner?

 

2.  The How's and Why's

It won't be long until your extended families start asking about your partner, such as 'what's his background?’ 'Where is his family from?’ 'Why did you decide to be in a relationship with someone of a different religion?’ 'Do your parents know?' 'Why didn't they stop you?'

 

3. The Troubles and Dilemmas
Different religions have very different opinions on the lifestyles, so there might be a constant struggle in understanding your partner and their opinions on certain activities. So you will need to consider how both of your individual beliefs and attributes might affect your religion.

 

4. The Sacrifice and after thoughts

Now, this doesn't only apply to interfaith relationships, it applies to all. To make any relationship work, we need to make certain compromises. For example, your partner might celebrate a festival or take part in certain activities that your parents might strongly disagree with. So, there might need to be a compromise that you can't attend those festivals and be with your partner.

 

5. The decision

The most important will be to decide whether your have made the correct decision, as scary as it may seem. We do need to think about the future and plan ahead as much as we can. So you need to decide whether you've found someone who brings you happiness and if he/she is worth it. Let’s face it, interfaith relationships are not always easy, but if you have the patience and genuinely find someone who cares and respects you; pursue the relationship.