Interracial Relationships

Growing up in Toronto is probably one of the best things that could happen in your life (and London is slowly becoming like Toronto). I say this because there's so much going on and so much to see and best of all, it's the most diverse city in the world.

That being said, interracial relationships are becoming more common and more prevalent and you'd think that familes that immigrate here would begin to understand cultural mixing and not expect you to date those of the same "colour". However, sometimes that is not the case and parental influence is a huge part in making a relationship work.

Yes, while there are social preferences of how to get your S.O. integrated into your family, mainly standards set by your parents, I think there can be a compromise to change your parents' hearts if they are so against interracial relationships. (Sometimes I really hate the concept of "race" because while it may be an identity, it also socially and culturally divides us. :( but that's besides the point).

I do understand where the parents are coming from because sometimes they want to relate to their future in-laws more easily but it's such an aggravating experience trying to convince them. I have some suggestions on how to get on the parents' good sides, let me know if you think they may work!

• learn the basics of the language they speak
• learn to love the food they eat
• buy them culturally relevant gifts on occasion
• at the risk of rejection, relate on their level with their other interests
• convince them that you'll have drop dead gorgeous kids (haha)
  
• more???

Have you ever found yourself in an interracial relationship vs. your parents' preferences? Were your parents open to the idea or were they not? How did you cope?

This is yet another hilarious video by Wong Fu Productions on interracial couples - a different perspective but enjoy nonetheless!

A Family Affair

A saying something along the lines of quotes this: 'If you marry a person, you marry the family as well."

Would you agree?

Anyway, I polled my readers this past week on how long they usually wait until they would introduce their significant other to their parents.

10% voted when they start dating
50% voted within a few months
30% voted within half a year
10% voted never.

While there isn't one appropriate time to introduce your special one to the family, you should have the intention to do so eventually.

I know there's all this talk about how "love is enough"... to an extent, yes. But somehow, if they're not involved with your family in any way (and vice versa), a chance at longevity is slim to none.

Photo Source