I'm curious to know if anyone would like to share stories about their family's reaction to dating outside your own race. Were they initially against it and changed their minds? Did they accept it with open arms? Is it the big pink elephant in the room? Do they not know at all?

My story:

I began dating just shy of 16. I set up a date with a boy named Bao who I had really liked (actually the only boy I had ever liked-- it was very 'white' school, when I saw him I knew he was the one for me).

I had not told my parents his ethnicity, to be honest it really didnt even cross my mind with all the excitement I had going on in my own head-- he had actually asked me out!

He came that night, took me out, my parents said hello (stumbled over his name a few times.... "You mean like bow, wow, a dog?" lol) snf waved us goodbye from the front porch. I got home that night and realized how shocked they must have been, but I never said anything to them.

Flash forward 4 months. I'm out shopping with my mom and I get brave enough to ask, "So, what did you think of Bao when you met him and now?" and her answer really made me smile:

"Well, to be honest, we were very suprised. There were no signs of this comming, but really, what signs can we expect. I guess we can be proud that you didnt think to tell us-- you see people as people and race clearly didnt factor into important details. Your father and I had a discussion a few weeks ago since it seems that you dating this boy is a regular thing. Your father and I just want you to know that we really like Bao, but you are dating outside your own culture. He and I want you know realize that other cultures are diffrent at times, and you need to respect them. Women's and men's roles in the family and relationship might be starkly diffrent than what you experienced growing up. Our biggest concern is that you dont disrespect his family and values and culture. If you do continue to date him-- or any other person outside our race our point is that you must respect their culture and family just as we expect to be respected as well."

That conversation really did open my eyes a little bit. From that point forward I made a proactive choice to step outside my comfort zone and view the world from diffrent angles, to embrace his family's (and everyone I've dated since then) values, customs, food, anything!


I am thankful for having a family that has been so accepting of who I date. My mother even sees cute asian babies out and mentions how cute half asian babies are.... how her grandchildren one day will be so beautiful.

Kinda makes you smile.

KUDOS to you and your parents for being such open minded human beings.

I know that deep down my parents wish me to settle down with Korean girl but they will accept my choice whoever it is as long as I'm happy and comfortable with my choice.

same here. my parents also want me to meet a korean girl but they will respect my choice no matter what. i know its improving but far to go.

my family are dubious, but if im happy they will be happy, and if they try having a quiet word with you its because they realise it is pointless trying to do so with me

"Where so ever you go, go with all your Heart."

My mom has never cared what race the guy is I'm dating, as long as I am TRUELY happy and he treats me well. At first she is like any mother, asks me a billion questions about the guy, and doesn't think they are good enough for me until they prove her wrong llol. Actually a couple days ago she told me that she was at first worried about me and Kevin because she thought that he might be the rebound relationship. But has now come to realize that he truely does make me happy and is very good for me. She likes how he boost my self esteem, encourages me with my dreams, and treats my children well. She knows I'm very happy with him. She also knows that I do not see color either when I see people. She says that is one of the good things about me. The ONLY person in my family that has an issue is my brother, but have finally ignored his thoughts on it. He has issues, and I'm not gonna let his issues and veiws effect who I date. But the rest of my family is happy if I'm happy. My mom told me a long time ago "I don't care if the guy is black, white, yellow,red, purple or pink. As long as he treats you like the Princess you are, then I'm fine with him."

My family was once concerned about the cultural differences. My harmonious relationship with a black girl 4 years ago removed all their doubts. Not that they'd make a big deal out of it anyway.

Um, I first saw a surprised look on their faces but they were okay with it. My dad overall said he'd prefer me be with a "white boy" but its all good.

I don't think my parents quite understand my infatuation for East Asian countries, cultures and languages. They know that I took Mandarin a few years ago, but later my dad asked "hope you are not taking Chinese any more" and I said "no". My teacher was actually quite bad, which is why 75 % of the class interrupted I never told my parents that I had begun a language exchange with a Korean girl...

My dad once got me an ugly, orange-brown Chinese wallet saying "you like China, here is a Chinese wallet for you"... It was kind of him, but I don't quite understand why he thought that I would like it.

I don't know what they would think of Ratbert, as they have never met each other. My mom is ok with me dating interracially. I guess my dad is too...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin

Honey-bunnyyyy...