Acceptance is a Process

Dating creates a mixture of emotions. It is exciting and frightening all the same. There is no guarantee that things would work between the two people in a relationship. Indeed, it is a risk we all take. A challenge that once surpassed would definitely make someone happy and content. However, dating is not as easy as it seems. And much more if the two people in love come from differing backgrounds.

Dating someone from a different race has been controversial for many centuries. There was even a point when interracial relationships have been banned in some countries. This originated from a narrow notion that it would cause racial purity to extinction. In order to rationalize this ridiculous principle, some even went to the extent of citing biblical verses to alert parishioners of other race.

Today, some are still vehemently opposing interracial dating. For others the thought of going out with someone outside one’s race is unsettling. Raised eyebrows, furtive glances, cold stares, smirks, and shaking head are frequently encountered by interracial couples. Oftentimes, the interracial partner is not accepted by the members of the other’s race. Sadly, this may include the family and friends.

At the start of some interracial relationships, loved ones may be apprehensive and might show repulsion to the couple. Understandably, this happens since they too are concerned for the loved one’s well being. They are afraid that the couple may be ostracized by the society and in turn causing hurt and pain to their loved one. This is just an initial reaction though and an unconscious act of not knowing how to deal with the situation at hand. Somehow, this is rooted from love. Allow sometime for them to take things in and you would soon discover that they will eventually soften towards the relationship. Once they get to know the interracial partner well and an air of trust is established, things would change for the better.

As for those shallow strangers encountered in the streets, who cares about them anyway? Why let them rule your life when they don’t even know a thing about you?

Love is not about race or ethnicity. It is not based on culture or traditions. Loving someone should be based on the person’s character and the connection forged between two people.