A Different World

Communicating with your partner from a different background

It's not at all that uncommon to have heard of couples that seem to epitomize the saying "opposites attract." If this holds true for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend, then you certainly have your fair share of conflicts arising from your different backgrounds. Of course it's exciting and exhilarating to fall in love with someone who has interests that are quite (or totally) different from yours, but that same thing will also make the relationship a bit more challenging to handle. From things to talk about all the way to activities to do, and yes, even circle of friends, you have to brace yourself to make certain adjustments. Here are just some things you can do to make this heartwarming – and sometimes nerve racking – transition a little bit easier.

Be interested. Okay, his/her interests may be totally far off from what you like and what you do, but since you're trying to make a relationship work, you really have to make an attempt to be interested in his/her lifestyle – in a nutshell, in your partner's life. If you're a writer, chances are numbers don't exactly figure a lot in your vocabulary. But if your boyfriend is an accountant or an engineer, try to engage him in conversations about his work, like how he comes up with his building designs or how he manages his workload. It will show that you are interested in things that concern him.

Show your world. Now that you've taken an initial interest towards your boyfriend/girlfriend's work, it's about him you encourage him/her to take an interest in your lifestyle as well. If you're into arts, why don't you invite him to go to a gallery one Saturday afternoon? Or if one of your hobbies includes watching games, invite her to come along with you. This will be a very effective way to show him/her your real self, while at the same time allowing both of you to be comfortable with each other. After all, how will you commit with someone when you can't even talk to him/her about the things that interest you?

Know your partner's friends. If you've already been with your boyfriend/girlfriend for some time, it might not be a bad idea to get acquainted with his/her friends – and introduce yours to him/her as well. Perhaps go bowling with them on a Friday night, or whip up your favorite snacks and invite them over to your place.

-fin-

---