European lady married to an Indian

- CONFESSIONS -

" It has been 40 years since I married my Asian Indian husband and we've had our ups and downs, from parental disapproval to cultural differences.
We have survived them all, though sometimes it would have been easier to just walk out and leave everything behind.
Our children found no difficulties being accepted by the Caucasian society, but it was different with the Indian society.
Most Indians have prearranged marriages and this can be a big disappointment for the Indian family.

Young couples have asked for my advice about marrying an Indian. Like most others in an interracial marriage, I asked them to visit with his and her family before getting married.
Can they fit into the family?
Can they accept cultural differences?
Can they accept stares by others and questions such as "Did you adopt this baby?"
Ask each other what are your hobbies and interests—can I live with someone who has totally different interests than I have?
Can you find common ground between your different interests and lifestyles, or will one of you adapt to the other's culture?
Like all marriages, interracial marriages can be great or they can be a disaster.
They are a little tougher than the standard marriage as you have many other factors that are added to the mix. It is always best to "look before you leap" as they say and make sure both parties are on the same page."

Post Scriptum:
THE JOINING OF TWO DIFFERENCES: Marriage can be challenging when you're the same race, but when you add different cultures into the mix, be even more prepared. See how family and friends react, but do not let that be the final say if you feel the relationship is a rewarding and uplifting one.