Figuring Out Indian Dating
Dating someone outside your culture is a challenging but is also equally rewarding. Although you will experience some problem in adjusting which will lead to awkward situations, this is your chance to know a specific culture up close. On the other hand, your actions will also be evaluated. You can practically treat yourself as someone who will represent your culture. Anything that you do or say will be a reflection not only of your personality but also as a culture who is trying to adapt to new cultures.
An example of cross culture dating is when you go out with someone with Indian culture. There are unique qualities that you will have to consider and remember when you consider going out with someone with an Indian culture.
Strong Family Ties
Like most Asian countries, the Indian culture prides itself as someone with strong family ties. In fact, parents used to have direct influence about everything on their kids including who to marry. Arranged marriage in India used to be common and some of the families still observe that particular practice. Fortunately, western culture has influenced this practice but with a twist. Selecting a husband or a wife is not the decision of the kids alone but of the parents as well.
That is why, when you are really serious about someone you date who has a strong Indian heritage, don't be surprised to be introduced to the family and would be scrutinized.
Religious Background
Indians place great value in their religion that sometimes, part of their screening process in selecting the right partner for their son or daughter is on religion. If the partner is not willing to change his or her beliefs, the parents may block the union since it will compromise their beliefs as well.
This is actually the most challenging part since religion has always been the source of values of the Indian family. Changing it means changing the core values which is not very easy to accept by families. If you are really persistent on your religion in favor of her beliefs then you might be facing some resistance from parents and other family members.
Upbringing and Social Status
Although they are not explicitly followed, part of the screening process of the Indian parents when selecting the right partner for their kids is based on the social status. India is well known for practicing the caste system which is a little unfortunate since would mean discrimination. This could be practiced but not explicity. They are only trying to select someone that will give them a good life. In US, dating someone from with an Indian culture means that you have to prove yourself worthy of their praise. Although you will not be scrutinized based on your social status, your education will be greatly scrutinized. If you are not able to par the educational achievement of their daughter or son you have to at least show that you have the earning capacity that will match the family's earning capacity.