Interracial relationships were once a controversial topic in America. Fortunately, they are much more accepted today than they have been in decades past – in fact, the rate of interracial marriage in the United States is currently at an all-time high, with at least 1 in 12 marriages being mixed. Although everyone always talks about the challenges faced by interracial couples, there are also actually countless benefits to interracial relationships. These benefits are not discussed nearly as often as they should be! In this post, we hope to help change that by highlighting some of these “hidden” benefits.
Helps you see the world from different perspectives
One of the greatest benefits of interracial dating is that it opens up entirely new worlds to you. Though interracial relationships are very common today, there is still a cultural divide in the United States and it can be difficult for a person of one race to view a certain issue in exactly the same way as a person from another race. Interracial relationships help open up a dialogue and enable people to see things from a perspective they might otherwise never see. If your partner is from another country, you can learn much about how people of that country (generally) see the world, along with their unique traditions for special occasions and holidays.
Prepares you for the globalized world of tomorrow
It’s clear that the cultures of the world are already beginning to intermingle, and, for many reasons, it seems likely that the world of the future will be one where different nationalities and ethnic groups are closely connected. Understanding how other cultures think will give you an edge in the world of tomorrow! If your significant other is from another country that does not speak English as a first language, you now have a person who can help tutor you (for free!) in that language. If you have children, they will grow up with an understanding of both cultures as well as possibly grow up bilingual, giving them a major advantage when it comes to career opportunities.
Opens your kitchen to new cuisine
Though this may not always apply, marrying someone from a different ethnic background, whether or not they come from the same country as you, can open up a whole new world of delicious foods. Each ethnicity has a rich selection of dishes, perhaps including “exotic” items you may be nervous to try but eventually come to love. One of the best things about traveling is sampling local food, and being with someone of a different ethnicity is reminiscent of this – bringing people of different cultural backgrounds into the kitchen can only make your taste buds rejoice.
Gives you access to new movies and TV shows
Every culture and nationality has its own repertoire of films, TV shows, comedy, and books, many of which you may have never heard of. Being with someone from a different background can make you aware of all of this, giving you great new media to enjoy. In today’s world there are so many great TV shows, movies, and books from all countries which you will be able to experience thanks to your partner. Who knows – a foreign TV show may become your new favorite program!
Keeps things interesting!
Your partner’s unique perspective, along with their cultural differences, will help to keep things interesting. It will be much harder to get bored than with a person who thinks in exactly the same way about things as you do rather than challenging you and giving you the chance to think about things in a new way. Obviously, if you find your partner interesting it is much less likely you’ll grow disillusioned with them and that contributes to a healthy relationship.
Conclusion
Overall, people talk too much about the difficulties of being in an interracial relationship when, really, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. Besides, any potential struggles you face will only serve to strengthen your relationship and bring you closer to your partner. As acceptance of interracial relationships continues to rise around the globe, and they become more and more common, there really has been no better time in history to give your all to be with the one you live, no matter their background!