Most partnerships are cross-cultural to some extent, with two people from different backgrounds, families, and settings coming together. Differences will be small and easy to adjust to for some. It might be challenging for people who are attempting to reconcile fundamental differences in views, values, and ideals.
In my marriage and family therapy precise, I frequently see couples from diverse backgrounds who struggle to see each other's point of view and struggle to make important life decisions together. Things that didn't seem crucial at the start of a relationship can become significantly more important as children arrive or people age.
Here are some of the most difficult issues that people discuss in couples counselling:
One partner is becoming increasingly separated from their own family and culture.
Conflicting views on where to live, especially when a couple has children.
Different parenting expectations, as well as different parenting duties.
Different approaches to raising their children, schools, rituals, food choices, and so on.
Problems with engagement of extended family.
One partner is torn between the demands of their partner and their extended family.
Expectations from extended family members regarding family rituals, customs, or special occasions that make a parent/s uncomfortable.
Managing their relationship's many gender-based expectations.
Managing various financial and lifestyle expectations.
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Focusing on these four essential areas can assist to develop your relationship in the following ways:
Communication abilities:
Listen to and understand one another.
Recognize the difficulties you are each facing.
Discuss and accept disagreements without losing respect for one another.
Discuss a common way of doing things that reflects what you both want.
Before you commit, be open and honest about your expectations on critical issues:
Religion, children, family, education, and gender roles are all discussed.
Parenting roles and childcare sharing
How you will both instill a strong sense of both cultures in your children.
If you are feeling disconnected from your own culture, this is the place to go.
Establish firm boundaries:
Discuss what level of extended family involvement you are comfortable with.
Set common boundaries for what is and is not acceptable in terms of extended family involvement.
Agree on the level of extended family involvement you are comfortable with for your children.
Connect with the cultures of others:
Be open to considering cultural beliefs that differ from your own.
Try to comprehend the significance of each other's significant family occasions, traditions, and customs.