I am Hindu and my wife is Christian so we have different beliefs and traditions. Somehow, our marriage still works.

• I am Hindu and my wife is Christian, which has presented some challenges.

• We had a wedding filled with the vibrancy of Indian culture and the traditions of American culture.

• I find that our differences have made us a much stronger couple.

My wife, Katy, and I come from different worlds. I am a Hindu raised in London, while Katy is a Christian from Pittsburgh.

However, our relationship thrives despite our cultural and religious differences. While our multicultural identities initially presented challenges, they also brought us closer.

From the moment we spoke on the phone three years ago and met the next day, it was clear we were meant to be. Our shared values, sense of humor and desire to treat others with kindness made the rest seem insignificant.

We realized our cultural differences quickly

As we got closer, we realized how different we were, which led to deep and intense conversations. My upbringing in Punjabi culture, with its vibrant traditions, music, and cuisine, contrasts sharply with Katy’s American experience. Although American culture often feels less ingrained to her, Katy appreciates Indian food and is eager to learn Punjabi, encouraging me to talk more about it. This mutual respect for each other’s cultures has facilitated our blending process.

Despite our shared enthusiasm for each other’s traditions, we have faced challenges with the smallest details. For example, in Indian culture, it is common to stay with parents until marriage, while in American culture, independence is often encouraged from a young age. This difference has taught me to admire Katy’s resilience and independence, qualities I deeply respect.

Our wedding was a beautiful representation of all this mixture. We incorporated elements of both cultures: an American ceremony officiated by a close friend, an Indian DJ with drums playing a mix of Indian and American music, and American food. This commitment showed our different backgrounds and strengthened our commitment to create a harmonious life together.

Sometimes we run into problems with our different religions

Our different religious beliefs have also presented challenges. As a Hindu, I don’t eat beef, whereas Katy, having grown up in a culture where beef is common, enjoys it. We’ve navigated this while respecting other people’s preferences. While she doesn’t stop me from eating beef in front of me, she respects my preferences, choosing not to eat it when I’m around and enjoy it outside of the house. This thoughtful engagement has strengthened our mutual respect.

Another challenge was reconciling our different views on the afterlife. Initially, it was hard to accept that Katy’s beliefs included the idea that non-believers were going to hell. However, I realized that since I don’t share this belief, it shouldn’t affect our relationship.

Over time Katy has also come to understand that my beliefs are valid and we have found common ground in our shared values.

One aspect in which we are lucky is that patriarchy, an important issue in both cultures, does not affect us as a lesbian couple. This has allowed us to avoid some of the traditional gender dynamics that can complicate relationships.

We learned the importance of open communication

Through regular and open discussions about our differences, we have found that our core values ​​align very well. We both strive to show love and kindness, serve others generously, and stay authentic. These shared values ​​are the foundation of our relationship and have helped us overcome any challenge.

Ultimately, our love for one another bridges our cultural and religious differences. It is this love that holds us together and makes our diverse origins an asset rather than an obstacle. Our journey has shown us that embracing and respecting each other’s cultures can create a life full of joy, understanding and unity.

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