国際結婚の難しさと、それを乗り切るには、という記事を見つけた。
赤字が、私が難しいだろうな、と思う点・・・。
青字は、そうだな、そうしないといけないだろう、と強く思う点・・・。
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Every marriage requires commitment, dedication and work.
An international/intercultural marriage requires even more attention
because of the many obstacles that a couple faces.
The obstacles come from family, friends, personal values, expectations, and bureaucratic procedures.
Some of the problems these relationships face include:
-Language Barrier
-Differences in Values
-Religious Conflicts
-Sex Role Expectations
-Economic Adjustments
-Fear of Abandonment by Family, Friends, Spouse
-Political Issues
-Legal Complications
To overcome these barriers, intercultural couples need to:
-Learn about one another's cultures.
-Communicate well in at least one language.
-Be open and honest with their families.
-Accept that cultural roots go deep and that people don't change easily or quickly.
-Focus on the positives!
-Look at what they have in common with one another.
-Talk with one another about which traditions they want to carry on as a couple
and with their children.
-Discuss their expectations in the areas of mealtimes, holidays, finances, sex,
chores and roles.
-Look at why it is difficult to let go of a tradition or expectation.
It isn't easy to deal with the legacy that we've all grown up with in our ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Couples have said that the first five years of this type of marriage are the hardest.
The key to a successful intercultural marriage is to develop understanding and patience.