Different Types of Relationships

There are so many different types of relationships out there, and while a guy may not know the exact kind of girl he is looking for before he starts dating, he should at least have some idea of what he wants, and the unique issues each type of relationship may present.

Interracial Relationships: Nowadays, it's much more common to see couples in interracial relationships, and there is not the same taboo as there once was about dating outside of your race. If you're in an interracial relationship, you will get to experience a different culture and family history. However, some family members and friends may still not accept an interracial relationship, which can make things difficult.

Cultural Differences: If you date a partner with a different cultural background, you may need to get used to differences surrounding social roles, diet and hygiene. You will have to be flexible when it comes to their rituals, such as turning off the lights for the Jewish Sabbath. You will get to enjoy new traditions from another culture, but you may find that there are certain rituals you don't want to participate in, or you face a large amount of family pressure. You will have to be very patient to navigate these relationship differences.

Religious Differences: Can you agree to disagree? That's how most couples who have religious differences approach their relationship. If you're going to spend your courtship trying to convert your Catholic girlfriend, you need to be think twice before you enter a relationship with someone from a different religion. If both partners can respect the other's beliefts, it can work well. One partner may even choose to convert to the other's religion, but this is a highly personal choice. Families of the couple are often angry about the relationship, and it can be very hard if you decide to have children – what type of religious upbringing will they have?

Class Differences: A class difference could be two people from different castes in India, or an upper-class guy dating a girl who comes from a low-income home. Research has shown that this may be the most difficult relationship difference to overcome. If one person is higher up on the career ladder, or one person's family lives a high-class lifestyle, it can cause one partner to have feelings of inadequacy. To make this type of relationship difference work, the person of a higher class or income bracket must be very careful not to come across as 'better' than the other person. However, if both partners are hard-working and don't define themselves by class alone, it can be harmonious.

Great Age Differences in Relationships: They're often called 'May-December romances.' If you're dating someone who is a lot older than you, you will get the benefit of their maturity and experience. If you're dating someone who is a lot younger than you, you will most likely get an ego boost, and be able to enjoy youthful activities. The May-December romance brings up a few large cons: the relationship may take on a parental quality, one person may be past the point of wanting to or being able to have children, and the younger partner may have to deal with the older partner becoming sick or dying at some point.

Of course, in many cases, love just happens. But, you must remember that in the excitement of early dating, you may be willing to overlook big differences. You must ask yourself if you will still be okay with these relationship differences in a year, or in ten years, before you commit.