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Planning to marry different race, family not fully supportive

I am Chinese, my partner is Indian, we been together 4 years. My parents worried about culture difference, festival, future kids religion. Not against but very hesitant. Anyone in a mixed marriage, how you all made it work and won over the family?
Anonymous asker ·Asked on 1 months ago ·294 views ·4 answers

4 contributors answered

Best Answer
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
Chinese-Indian couple here, married 7 years, two kids. It works beautifully but I wont lie, the first two years with the families were the hardest. What won my parents over was time and consistency, my partner showed up at every Chinese New Year reunion, learned to say a few words in Hokkien, helped my dad in the garden. Actions over arguments. On the practical stuff, sit down as a couple and decide clearly BEFORE marriage: which festivals you celebrate (we do both Deepavali and CNY, best of both worlds and the kids love it), how you raise the children, religion questions. Present a united, thought-through plan to both families so they see you are serious and responsible, not naive. The culture difference actually became our strength, our home is richer for it. Give your parents time, most hesitation is fear, and fear fades when they see your partner is a good person who respects them.
Auntie Property Lily Beginner First-hand experience Sold houses in KL and PJ for 15 years, ask me about loan margin and hidden fees lah.
Malaysia is multiracial but families still can be traditional, dont take it personally, it is generational fear more than racism usually. Let your partner and your family spend casual time together, makan sessions, small gatherings, not big formal "meet the parents" pressure. Familiarity breaks down walls. My in-laws warmed up over countless mamak and dinner sessions, not one big speech.
Anonymous contributor Beginner First-hand experience
The religion and kids question is the one you MUST align on early, dont sweep under carpet hoping it sorts itself. In Malaysia this has legal weight too depending on the religions involved, so understand the legal side properly, especially if conversion is a factor. Talk to couples who did it, and if needed a neutral counsellor. Love is not enough on its own, clarity is what makes it last.
Makcik Kek Aidah Beginner First-hand experience Home baker turned kek order boss, I share cost per slice, delivery and repeat customer tips.
My cousin is in a mixed marriage and honestly the kids turned out the most balanced, worldly people, speak multiple languages, comfortable everywhere. Your future family can be a gift, not a problem. Focus on that positive vision and let your parents see it. Patience and respect win in the end.

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