5 Ways Dating Someone From A Different Culture Changes Your Life

My grandmother once told me, "When you're looking for a life partner, it's best to date someone who's Jewish."


"Because it's one less thing to fight about."

The waters of romance can be rough, and avoiding the iceberg of "What religion will we raise our children as?" is worth it, in her eyes.


All of the men I've ever dated have been from different cultures. Whether they were Irish, Italian or Greek, they've always been of a different ethnicity or culture than my own.

When you date someone who's from a different walk of life than you, you gain an entirely new view of the world. You learn all about their food, their religion and their values.


Of course, it's because I have the desire to travel. But, the real reason is because I love new cultures. I love learning about people's ways of life, how they were brought up and what values their ethnicities hold dearly.

A college girl working three jobs and saving for her loans and her future couldn't make her "travel around the world in 80 days" dream a reality.

But, instead of embarking on a journey across the world, I've embarked on the journey of cross-culture romance.

I've fallen in love with my soulmate who's from a completely different world than I am from. I was raised American with traditional Jewish values. My boyfriend, on the other hand, was raised Greek-Orthodox, and his parents are first-generation American.


Dating people from completely different worlds than mine has not only broadened my own, but it has bettered it overall. Here's why:

1. You learn a new language.

Of course, we've all had to sit through high school classes of Spanish, French, Italian and Latin.


And, let's get real: None of us actually wanted to take language in the first place. It was just a requirement.


My boyfriend's grandparents, while they do know English, speak Greek as their native tongue.


Learning their native tongue was a huge priority of mine.


2. You get to try amazing, authentic food.

Every culture has its own signature dishes. While there are tons of "authentic Greek restaurants" all over New York City, there is nothing quite like eating lamb or spanikopita that my boyfriend's grandparents made.


If you don't believe me, ask any Italian if Nonna's chicken cutlets taste anything like store-bought ones. The answer is always no.

3. New cultures bring new lessons.

Every culture has its traditions and its values. While culture sometimes intersects in morals and lessons, it's always interesting to learn and absorb new traditions.



When you enter the workforce, you'll be faced with coworkers and bosses who are from all over the world.


When you become comfortable interacting with others interculturally and exhibit the patience you need, you'll be able to succeed further in your everyday life.






5. Life becomes an adventure.



You both will have different ways of responding to things and communicating, and you'll have to both adapt to working with each other.

Compromises will have to be made, and you'll ultimately change your views of the world to better your relationship.

This is a healthy change because you'll grow as an individual by incorporating a new culture into your own. The best part about it is that when you travel together, the adventure never ends.