Last Friday, I chatted with a middle-aged coworker. Somehow the topic was drifted to whether I am interested in going out with guys of a different race, or to be precise non-Asians. And then we went on chatting about some parents actually do mind their children dating or marrying someone other than their own race.

I remember 10 years ago when I was getting all set to go to another country pretty far away from home. My grandmother, my aunts and my mom each gave me a “talk”. The “talk” included trying not to date any non-Asians. Although they are a bit more relaxed now, still they would prefer me not to. Is my family racist? Well, no, as you might be aware of, my family is really traditional and conservative; they are just really concerned that what if there are some not uncommon major issues in between two different cultures.

I have some Asian friends who are dating non-Asians and some non-Asians friends dating Asians. Some are married and some did not make it. The failure might be due to the conflict of cultures but it could also be due to many other common reasons in any relationship.

Since I am a food person, let me use this analogy to describe this…I think all food is delicious (potato, pasta, rice, bread, whatever you can name of) and each has its uniqueness. However, everyone has the absolute right to choose what they want to eat. There is no right or wrong. You just go for something you like and think that’s the best for you. After all, that is what is going into your stomach. I know I am a “rice” person. Not that because my family would like me to, but more because I know I am more comfortable and enjoy “rice” than “potatoes”. In reality, I really dislike eating potatoes that much. I will only eat some fries from Fish and Chips. I like the Italian cuisine; Pasta Marinara is one of my favorites. I do enjoy eating all sorts of sandwiches with different type of bread. But if I have to have it on a day to day basis, I still prefer rice so that I can eat with different dishes.

I think all in all, you just have to choose someone you really have chemistry with and you are really comfortable with. I am that sort of person who goes for personality. Hey, I may end up choosing a “potato” if I like how it was cooked or prepared. If the “rice” doesn’t possess the personality and trait that I am comfortable with, I still won’t like it. You know, we all should just go for the food we are happy with.