Oy, love. When it comes to dating and relationship, I don’t even have to remind you how difficult it is. I mean, the ups and downs, the emotional roller coaster and the game, man (and woman)!
But imagine being in an interracial relationship, where you have to deal with everything I just mentioned on top of language barrier, cultural differences and other challenges that only interracial couples would encounter — it’s like trying to make it through an obstacle course with hurdles (damn). So, you ask, why would people want to date someone who’s of a different ethnicity then?
Well, despite the cons, turns out there are also major pros being with a partner who has a completely different background than yours. To put the idea into context, I decided to interview two of my great friends who are currently living in Columbia and have been dating for almost three years! Ladies and gents, meet Bea and Zach, aka my favorite couple on earth.
Bea and Zach have been together for almost three years.
B= BeaZ: Zach1) How did the two of you meet? What was your first impression of him/her?
B: My first impression about him was that I felt immediately that he would be a playboy type of person. Therefore, I didn’t pay too much attention to this encounter.Z: We met at Ellis Library. I thought she looked very beautiful and focused on her work.2) Have you ever been in an interracial relationship before?B: Yes, I have.Z: Yes I have been in an interracial relationship before.3) How is this relationship different than your past relationships?B: This is the longest relationship I have had. We have experienced many difficult times together and have had many intimate times too.Z: This relationship is different because I have travelled across the world with her. I met her family, (which i’ve done before with an ex) but it was very difficult to communicate with them.4) When you first started dating, did you anticipate this relationship to go this far?B: I did not plan for the future since I was so drawn in love with him, I assumed that he was the one I want to be with.Z: I had no expectations when we first started dating. I took it one day/date at a time.5) What is the best thing being in an interracial relationship?B: I learn about new perspectives and get to know American culture better.Z: The best thing is probably the good thing about any interracial relationship, as friends or lovers, and that’s the possibility of cultural exchange. I’ve tried so many new foods, been to so many new places, and had so many experiences i wouldn’t have had if i were dating a white girl.6) What is the worst thing being in an interracial relationship?B: That sometimes I can’t really express the deepest feeling in terms of my native language because he won’t understand.Z: The worst thing is that there are some political problems with visas, citizenship, marriage, etc. Oh and also it’s annoying when people think I have a fetish for Asians.7) Have you experienced pressure from your family/friends because you are in an interracial relationship?B: Nope.Z: My family hasn’t put pressure on me.8 )What are your future plans? And how do you plan on including the other person in it?B: I plan to attend graduate school in Finland, and I try to convince him to come with me.Z: Our plans and hopes are somewhat different actually. This tends to be a topic of contention when we get into disagreements. I actually want to live in China, and she wants to live in the US.9) What would be your advice for other interracial couples out there?B: Well, to the interracial couples out there, speak to your heart. It’s about love and relationship, but don’t forget about the future that you could have with or without your partner. If you find that the relationship worths your time and energy, you are lucky.Z: My advice to others is don’t hesitate to pursue someone you might be interested in because they have a different background than you. The more different you are, the more you have to learn, and the more interesting your day-to-day lives will be.
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