Showing Support
All relationships need understanding and support from both partners. But you must remember that not all relationships are the same. It can be especially hard if you're from different countries and cultures. So, you can encourage your partner during the holidays by supporting her. Not only will you make her happier but also make your relationship stronger.
Expecting Misunderstandings
Conflicts are inevitable, especially in an international relationship. So, it's very important that you can communicate any issues or incidents with your family and friends when you celebrate the holidays with each other's loved ones. That means you have to be open when you feel offended and be honest if you feel uncomfortable.
Your relationship is between you and your partner at the end of the day. You are both responsible for keeping the boundaries not only during the holidays but also all the time. Doing this can help protect your relationship from bad opinions and influences.
Trying Interesting Food
When you have a foreign partner, you'll have the chance to experience foods that you've never tried before. Most cultures consider food as an important element since it brings families together. So, your partner will feel happy when you appreciate what food they have during the holidays. Though you may not enjoy all the flavors and tastes, you can try a little of each dish. But you should be honest if you can't eat something because of religion or dietary restrictions.
Experiencing food should go both ways. When celebrating the holidays with her family and friends, you can bring a dish that is specific to your culture. This will reflect that you are aware of the differences in your food culture but are more than open to accepting these differences.
Traveling Issues
Traveling is one of the most common challenges in international relationships. That's because you both need to put in more effort, time, and energy so that you can arrange your schedules. Traveling will be a part of your life when you date a foreigner.
You can expect to take more days off from work and go back and forth to her place to see her and her family. It's recommended to check your visa, complete the necessary documents, and plan well when you need to travel. If you research well, you can find discounted or good deals on flight tickets. Most people plan their vacation 3 to 4 months before their travel date to make sure their leaves get approved and avail cheaper flight tickets.
Conclusion
Finally, you now know what to expect when spending the holiday season in an international relationship. The key to making international relationships a success is support, patience, open-mindedness, and honesty. It's best to express directly any thoughts you may have about celebrating the holidays with your partner.