One’s tribe has been an issue that has caused strife and disunity among Kenyans and as well as other parts of Africa.
More people are falling in love with those outside of their ‘natural tribe’ and it’s a very beautiful thing.
The ability to bring two cultures together and really create a new one is a great opportunity.
When you date outside of your own race or culture you’re going to see different things and you’ll also have an opportunity to show off your culture as well, both the good and the bad.
Here are the important things you should know when dating someone from another tribe.
Embrace Your Partner’s Culture
Just like we want to share our beautiful culture with the person we date, it’s just as fun to see what other cultures are all about. Whether it’s the first date or the dating is getting pretty serious, you need to embrace your partner’s culture. It has to be a given that if you are dating someone outside of your tribe that you are about to embark on a different journey and learn a lot of things that you aren’t normally used to. It’s also a good opportunity to show you’re capable of fitting in. Just because you’re different doesn’t mean you can’t be a part of the fun or try new things.
Despite your partner’s background, the reality is you need to embrace both cultures. Just like any other relationship you need to give and take for both of you to truly be happy. You can’t expect your partner to do everything you want to do and just completely shut down what they grew up doing.
Create Your Own Culture
Dating someone that’s not from your tribe doesn’t mean you completely leave your roots behind. Those are what made you who you are and you will always have those with you, however the same goes for your partner. It’s exhausting to try and incorporate everything single thing from both cultures and to try and keep up with everything going on, especially as the holidays come around. As you start dating more and getting more serious, it’s important to create your own culture.
Decide what and how you’re going to do things and be open to giving some things up. If this is going to work, it’s important to understand that you’re combining two completely different ways of living and you need to create one way. The more proactive you are and open to trying everything they do, the more likely you are to get the same effort back. Keep in mind this isn’t going to be easy, as you’ll have both sides of the family skeptical about you two because this is something different than they’re used to.
Odds are, until they get to know you, the person, they just have stereotypes and stories to go off of about you. Remember, you’re an individual and your tribe doesn’t define you nor should you hide from it.
Proper Mindset
Be sure that your partner’s mindset is correct. For instance, ask what (s)he thinks about divorce, marrying more than one person and other topics. It is important you get his mindset on these issues before proceeding to getting married.
