Being an international/interracial couple affects not only the couple itself but their parents and families also. If you are international newbies, you have probably not realized it yet but your relationship or marriage is going to affect the in-laws deeply, sometimes more than they would have desired.
Colorblindness is an approach to race ideology according to which the best way to eliminate racism is to treat everybody equally, regardless of their colour or race as if those differences didn't exist. According to the autor, this approach itself equals to racism.
We all need love and support from our families. They cared for us, made sacrifices and therefore deserve respect, love and care.
Getting 'accepted' by your own families is a huge step for all couples. It's even a bigger one if you are an international couple. Most moms and dads nurture big dreams for their children and naturally get disappointed when their dreams don't come true. So, what to do to introduce your partner to your family as smoothly as possible?
Getting pregnant can be a challenge and, indeed, it is a challange for many couples.
International couples, in particular, undergo a number of stressing factors which in general non-international couples do not. Frequent trips, dealing with partners brought up with different values and different cultures, differences in religion and approaches to life, all add to the stress. Also, ordinary occasions such as the Christmas Holidays can turn into long queues at the airports and generally require a rather detailed planning. That, also, represents a stress factor.
Relocation, if necessary, is an important and serious step for international couples, Sometimes chances to get back to your country do come back, sometimes they don't. That's why more than one fear relocation. It's the fear of the unknown, it's the fear of leaving the securities that we have to step into a different city or country.
But if you are sure of your feelings and want to give a more solid ground to your international relationship, often relocation is the answer.
One of the stress factors for international couples is the need of relocating. It's a stress factor because it brings uncertainity, fear of the unknown and potentially remorse. But there are factors that can actually help you during this phase and make it easier for you.
If you can relocate while still working for the same company it's a great thing. Explain your issue with your boss or manager and see what can be done to get you to the other branch of the company as smoothly as possible.
One of the recurring discussions for international couples is where and when to relocate. Indeed many couples, especially when not married, tend not to tackle the problem with the due strength hoping that it may solve itself. And so many i-couples may end up living in that sort of twilight zone between the 'cohabiting' and the 'commuting' for many years.
Two problems there:
Time and years have the bad habit to pass fast...
Problems don't solve themselves!
How have you coped with this important decision? How did you approach the this chasm? Has it worked out for you? Still in the process?
Please, share your approaches and stories with us!
January 1 is not only the moment to recover from that champagne we had last night (last year really :)) but also the moment to look at the year ahead as a year to succeed and improve family, health, business and whatever we want to achieve.