Navigating Cultural Differences: Insights from an Intercultural Relationship

This video provides a real example of how couples should indeed adjust to each other's habits. Some start learning to eat spicy food even though they actually don't like it and are not used to spicy food, or try to celebrate holidays that are not their tradition and they have never celebrated them. But in a family, there is also a firmness about things that cannot be compromised, such as religious beliefs or important values in a family that have existed and have become family traditions for a long time. The key is to be flexible in small things, but firm in basic principles. One of the couples in the video tells how they created new traditions, such as cooking together every week with a mixed menu of both cultures between them. This shows that intercultural relationships are not about who wins, but about creating something new together.

1. Compare and Contrast

This video is interesting because it focuses not only on differences but also on similarities. Couples often compare their cultures - for example, how they show affection or raise their children. But they do it with curiosity, not blame. One great example is when they discover that both cultures value family, just in different ways. They also make a list of things from each culture that they want to keep in their relationship. This approach helps them not get caught up in the "my culture is better" mindset, but instead create the best of both worlds.

1. Offer Personal Anecdotes

Based on YouTube videos, some people must have experienced something similar. As someone who has been in a relationship with someone from a different cultural background, I realize that differences can be both a challenge and a learning experience. These differences can include values, norms, customs, and habits. Another example is the different ways people express their emotions and resolve conflicts.  Both of these aspects need to be understood so that differences do not lead to division but instead strengthen and shape relationships. This experience has taught me the importance of open communication and thinking, as well as the importance of empathy and mutual respect in building good cross-cultural relationships.

1. Provide Insights

From the video, we can see that differences can affect the smoothness of relationships between individuals. An example of a difference in Steven and Monica's relationship is the language barrier, with one speaking Spanish and the other French. The lifestyles of Spanish and French people also differ. In France, people typically spend their time eating, working, and sleeping, while in Spanish , people have more time for rest, socializing with friends, and spending time with family. From this, we can recognize the importance of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of such differences. In the context of intercultural relationships, understanding the cultural background and values of each partner can help reduce misunderstandings and enhance the harmony of the relationship.

1. Relate to Indonesian Context

The cultural differences, especially in relationships such as that between Steven and Monica, are certainly not much different from those in Indonesia. As we know, Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, often serving as a meeting point for various cultural backgrounds, both in personal and professional relationships. For example, inter-ethnic or inter-religious marriages are very common and frequently occur. From this example, we can see that differences are not only challenges but also bridges that connect cultures, thereby minimizing cultural misunderstandings. In this context, understanding and valuing cultural differences are key to building better relationships. Additionally, in professional contexts such as the workplace, the ability to interact effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds is a valuable experience that broadens our perspectives. Cultural differences between Indonesia and other countries may be vastly different, but some of these differences can be studied and analyzed to determine whether they are appropriate to apply and whether they have a positive or negative impact.

 

Steven and Monica's journey through intercultural relationships is not without its challenges. However, the couple was able to deal with it by communicating openly so that they could respect each other. In addition, they also had the will to learn each other's culture, so that they were able to understand the differences in their cultures. The intercultural relationship that Steven and Monica have is a strong and complementary relationship despite having different cultural backgrounds. The key to the success of their relationship lies in accepting cultural differences as a way to grow into better people and being able to navigate the relationship by accepting and learning from each other as an opportunity to grow.