SJ
2w💑 Dating
I'm Hindu, my partner of 3 years is Catholic (non-Indian). We're planning to get married next year. My mom is going to LOSE it. My dad might be more accepting but will follow mom's lead. Has anyone successfully navigated this? I don't want to choose between my family and my partn...
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Did this exact thing 5 years ago (Hindu guy, Jewish girl). Here's what worked: 1. **Tell one parent first** — whoever is more likely to be supportive. Let them process privately. 2. **Give them TIME** — my mom cried for 2 weeks, then slowly came around. Don't force immediate acceptance. 3. **Have your partner meet them in a LOW-pressure setting** — dinner at home, not announcing engagement. 4. **Show them your partner respects Indian culture** — my wife learned to make chai, wears kurta at family events, touches my mom's feet. These small gestures melted my parents. 5. **Don't give ultimatums** — 'accept her or lose me' backfires. Frame it as 'I love you AND I love her.' It took my mom about 6 months to fully come around. Now she calls my wife 'beti' and they WhatsApp daily. Your parents' love for you will eventually win.
One thing that helped with my parents: I found other families in our community who had successful intercultural marriages. My parents knowing 'the Sharmas' son also married a non-Indian' normalized it. Indian parents are deeply influenced by social proof from their peer group.
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