In a melting pot like the United States, it makes sense that when people are looking for a mate, they may gravitate to people who have major cultural and religious differences. Melding those cultures and religious affiliations can teach tolerance and celebrates the diversity that makes the country what it is. But sometimes the differences among the faiths make a relationship a challenge, if not nearly impossible. Here are a few ways to make an interfaith relationship work – and when to throw in the towel. Usually, interfaith relationships work best when neither partner is particularly devout in his or her beliefs. When one person is more committed to their faith than the other, then the relationship can become a power struggle for who controls spiritual aspects such as holidays and how to raise children. It's important to recognize first of all that unless we grew up in exactly the same families, we are going to have cultural differences. Facing those issues head-on and promptly in a relationship is the first step. Successful interfaith couples credit communication and compromise as factors in their relationships.
They also allow exploration in their potential partners, including the opportunity to experience religious or spiritual ceremonies and answering questions about their faith. Being willing to learn about another faith by reading religious texts or attending church or synagogue shows a willingness to understand the other faith. And before taking the next steps – engagement, marriage, children, etc. – successful couples discuss their expectations. Again, this may include conversion, how to raise children, having a certain kind of ceremony, etc. Finally, interfaith couples can be more successful by taking proactive steps to curb major arguments about faith by beginning couples' therapy before problems even start. Find a therapist who specializes in your concerns as a couple, and talk out problems as they arise. A third party might be the voice of reason who can help make the relationship work.