Couples who are in inter-faith relationships might find it challenging to manage their expectations from each other when their faith conflicts rather than aligns. Irrespective of whether you are in a pre-marital or marital inter-faith relationship, having different values that are seemingly at odds with each other, can make you feel as if your relationship is not working. But it doesn’t have to be so.
The first step to make your inter-faith relationship work is to recognize each other’s values. If you approach your partner’s belief system with resistance, then it will prevent you from acknowledging their beliefs. On the other hand, if you use curiosity to understand what makes them who they are and how they relate to their faith, it will pave the way for further exploration. Your partner will offer you the same respect by understanding how you incorporate your values in your daily life, and how you value faith in your life.
This starts with the most patient task of getting to know each other without judgement, even though you have apprehension regarding some of your partner’s beliefs. Once you are able to recognise the underlying meaning of your partner’s faith and how it helps them live their life, it will alleviate some of your concerns regarding the success of your relationship. However, it requires specific steps to identify how the two of you function independent of your faith and what challenges you face when you both practice different faiths.
If you want to understand how to make your inter-faith relationship work, reach out to seek support.