Family Traditions to Know When Dating An Asian Woman

International marriage has its perks. One of which is that you get to explore a new culture, from languages and lifestyles to food and holidays. Another is that you get to have a variety of reasons to travel. Whether it’s to attend a family gathering or to explore, you’ll get to form new experiences with your partner.

However, like any other marriage, international marriage also comes with its own set of challenges. The most common one is building a relationship with your partner’s family.

In some countries, especially within Asia, family is very important. It’s highly connected with their identity. Moreover, it serves as their main source of protection against the trials of life.

So if you’re dating an Asian woman and are looking to marry her, it’s important for you to build a relationship with her family. This includes her parents, grandparents, and other relatives.

One way you can do this is by learning about and following their family traditions, also known as family customs. These are activities incorporated into their lifestyle and reflect their traditional family values and beliefs.

In Asia, it’s normal to have family customs passed down to the next generation.

But why is tradition important to them that they strive to pass it down and keep it alive? Why is it that you need to understand its significance?

Importance of Tradition among Asians

Tradition is important among Asians because it reminds them of their people’s past, shapes who they presently are, and defines who the younger generation is going to become.

For example, in China, it’s a tradition within their family to address each member with different forms depending on their age.This tradition has been carried on since time immemorial.

That’s because unlike a non traditional family or Western families, the tradition serves to preserve their ancestor’s principle of giving respect. Moreover, Chinese families follow hierarchy. So following such tradition reinforces their value for their elders.

As the partner of an Asian woman, it’s important that you respect and accept her and her family’s traditions. Although it may be difficult at first, it is the key that will lead you to a loving marriage.

Worry not, however, as here are some family traditions to know when dating a woman from Asia. These range from traditional values to celebrations.

Family Customs Passed Down to the Next Generation

In most Asian families, their family customs revolve around a set of traditional family values that provides structure within the household and holds the members together. While non traditional families won’t push you to adhere to the same values as they do, traditional ones would want to see you practicing these as well.

Respecting Their Elders

For many Asians, wisdom comes from the elders. Just as they treat their elders with respect, you are to do the same.

This then ties in with obedience.

In traditional families, parents have the final say. Children are expected to obey them. No questions asked.

As a man who’s in a healthy relationship with an Asian woman, it’s best not to push her to defy their word. Instead, try to find a middle ground and work things out with her and in respect of her elders.

Paying Back the Debt of Gratitude

In Asian countries, whenever you receive a favor, you are expected to pay your debt of gratitude. It is for recognizing the good will behind their favor.

In China, they have a saying that every drop of kindness deserves a fountain in return.

This doesn’t mean you need to make a grand gesture. But if your Asian woman’s family member offers you a favor, return it with what you can offer. A simple act of kindness in reciprocation can also suffice.

Bonding Through Food

For both traditional and non traditional families in Asia, coming together for a meal is a common occurrence. When at home, they’ll prepare a table filled with food and share it together. Similarly, when going out to eat, they order a few shareable meals for everyone to get a taste of.

This family tradition is a way for them to bond through food and promote unity within the members of their household. This is because it’s one of the few times that they get to sit and have an undisturbed talk with their family.

Although you are not required to participate in their every meal, it’s well-appreciated if you do.

So if your Asian woman’s family asks you to stay over for dinner, give it a go. Be sure to look up the dining customs of your partner’s culture, as proper table etiquette varies for each country.

Giving a Grand Wedding Celebration

Asians have a high regard for marriage. Traditionally, families like in China or Thailand would arrange their children’s marriages. Moreover, marrying someone from within their country was a must.

But in recent decades, the traditional family has been replaced by a modern one that has a more open-minded view of international marriage. One thing has remained the same for Asian women, however. And that is, marriage is their end goal.

Unlike in America where a wedding ceremony is usually held within one day, weddings in Asian countries like India could take up to three days. It’s a grand celebration where almost all members of the clan gather and perform their different family rituals.

So if you’re currently dating an Asian woman and are looking to marry her, prepare for a long but fun ceremony.

Immerse Yourself in Her Family Traditions

Knowing and participating in your partner’s unique family traditions guarantees you a good relationship with her parents, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives. But aside from that, she’ll appreciate your efforts in participating in their family celebrations and family rituals. This guarantees that you’re going to have her heart forever.

But aside from immersing yourself in her culture, take the time to immerse her in your world as well.

Later on, once you’re married and have built your family, you can also have your own family tradition project ideas.