One of the many perks of dating Don is that he is from a different culture. We gain this new view of how the world works. Not only that, we get to learn about their values, the food, religion and each other's country. Ever since Don and I started dating, I feel like our relationship has broadened my eyes from this little bubble in living in, if not overall made it better.
Let me tell how... with the first being my favourite!
01. Food
I think the food is the number one perk of being in a relationship with someone who is from a different culture. I consider myself really lucky to be with someone who is passionate about food as much as I am and even luckier because Don is a great cook! Every time I'm over at Perth, he makes me the most delicious meals and I will try to do the same with my Malaysian cooking. You can learn so much about a person's culture through their dishes. I have to say, we went through our food adventure very smoothly.
02. Language
I can speak two languages English and Malay fluently or three if you count the two years of Primary school level french. I find it so cute when Don tries to have a conversation with me in Malay or excitedly tell me a new Malay word he learned today from his Duolingo app. His effort in trying to learn how to speak Malay really shows how is trying to acculturate with my culture. Don speaks English, but Australians have their own lingos. I try to understand his lingo and use it, so we can understand each other better.
03. New cultures = new lessons = new practises
Every culture has its own traditions and values. It's always interesting to see how our culture merges together with morals, lessons and values. The both of us are trying to learn and absorb these new traditions. I have lived and worked with people from all over the world and one of the biggest things I learned from this is patience and tolerance. Not everyone is raised the same you were but when you can get along with others inter-culturally, I say you can get far in life (with a little help by our two friends - patience and tolerance).
04. Have our own mini traditions
When you both come from two different cultures and also planning to have a future, your culture difference will clash. Don and I often talk about our future and what we are going to do, how would we raise our kids and what would we tell them. To be fair to both of our families, we would celebrate both cultures - Christmas, Easter, Hari Raya and other Malaysian festivities. I foresee us having our own little traditions. It's going to be a very diverse household. I can't wait for that!
05. Bringing your relationship to a different level
Being with Don opened up my eyes about everything. Relationships, life, health, etc. We both have different ways of handling things when life throws something at us. Somehow we managed to work together and adapt to each other's way. We compromise on things and don't make promises we can't keep. This helps with our relationship, how we see the world and improves us.
Are you in an interracial relationship? What positive benefits have you gained from your relationship? I would love to know your comments!
Hi Kay, yes I am in an interracial relationship. I am Filipina and he is English. He is learning some Tagalog words and I am teaching him to read and speak Tagalog. I want to teach him more about Filipino culture because I do feel that he will appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteHey Dee! That's really sweet of him to learn your language and your culture. Do update me more on this :)
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