Intercultural or interracial relationships, although much less frowned upon in other countries, are still a sensitive subject here in Malaysia. The differences between cultures, beliefs, and even religions in such relationships could easily lead to a heated debate whenever brought up. 

If you happen to be in a similar relationship, the following situations might hit a little too close to home. Let's look through: 

1. "Why do people keep staring at us?"

Interracial couples are somehow often ostracised, especially in public. Getting double looks and prolonged not-so-subtle observation by curious onlookers, much like exotic animals in a zoo, is one of the odd reoccurrences that in time, they find themselves having to deal with. 

Although interracial relationship is no longer a foreign concept in Malaysia, some members of the public still find it fascinating when two people of different skin tones and cultures get together in public. 

2. "Why do people automatically assume we think we're too good for our own race?"

"Wouldn't you prefer to date within your own race?" is a question that gets way too frequently asked. Love shouldn't be tied to a specific race or ethnicity, and such restrictions existed due only to social construct. 

At the end of the day, you like who you like. 

3. "No, it's not a fetish." 

"You're dating a/an (insert race) so you must have a type." 

While it's not impossible for interracial relationships to have participants that openly admit to having a type, it's fairly disrespectful to assume that one is only in a relationship because of a certain favorable circumstance. Such an assumption directly invalidates the authenticity of their union, which isn't very nice to hear from the receiving end. 

4. "No, I can't help you find a/an (insert race) boyfriend/girlfriend just because I'm dating one."

Although this often comes off as a joke, the humor gets staler the more frequently it gets thrown around. 

5. "We couldn't be bothered about (insert race) stereotypes, so please stop asking." 

"Oh you're dating a/an (insert race), they must be (insert racial stereotypes)!"

Apart from this being utterly offensive, it perpetuates unnecessary racial tension between the couple themselves as well as the races mentioned. Blatant racist remarks shouldn't be excused, even if it is just among friends or acquaintances. 

If you're in an interracial relationship, you're stepping into it with an awareness that you will be subjected to harsher struggles than a normal couple, and it will almost never be easy. 

However, at the end of the day, love is love, no? 

Do you have similar experiences being in interracial relationships? Feel free to share your beautiful stories with us!