INTERRACIAL
RELATIONSHIPS
WHAT YOU SHOULD BE TALKING
ABOUT AND WHY
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We know relationships take commitment and work, but interracial couples have the added dimension of race that can create other challenges. In our society we have different privileges based on many factors such as socioeconomic status, gender, educational level, citizenship status, etc. These privileges determine our experiences, access to resources, choices we make and how we see the world. Race is a significant factor in determining privilege and it's important to understand how it can show up in relationships.
Most of the issues that surface have to do with different perspectives, expectations, and misunderstanding about:
PRIVILEGE
&
POWER
SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS &
STEREOTYPES
EDUCATION, FINANCES & LIFESTYLE
IN-LAWS
FAMILY &
FRIENDS
Relationships go through various stages and in the beginning, no one can do wrong and conflict is avoided. However, you will eventually get beyond this stage and conflict will occur. Conflict is natural and how it is handled can lead to growth; it should never be abusive or traumatic. Never be fooled into thinking that a conflict free relationship exists. If there is no conflict,this means that one or both partners is not fully expressing themselves and this will eventually lead to resentment which is a major reason why relationships end.
When you are in an interracial relationship, you will experience other challenges related to race and it's critical that both partners talk about it. I know what these hurdles look like first hand because I've been there! Discussions can lead to misunderstanding if both couples are only seeing things through their eyes. I have been in interracial relationships for many years and am currently married to my husband of 8 years. My husband is white and I am a bi-racial child of an interracial marriage; my father was African American and my mother is Japanese. I know how misunderstandings and expectations can create unnecessary frustration and tension in a relationship.
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Many people enter into interracial relationships and underestimate the importance of recognizing and working through issues that will surface that are related to your differences. Don't be one of them.
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I've walked in your shoes. I know the dynamics and how to navigate successfully through them to build a strong relationship based on mutual respect, trust and love.
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I help individuals who are in interracial relationships understand what they are facing and help provide them with tools to be successful in their relationship growth.
BOOK A FREE 20 MINUTE CONSULTATION!