Intercultural Marriage: Promises and Pitfalls [Paperback]

Dugan Romano (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2008

An insightful look at the stresses and challenges of intercultural relationships-from one who has been there.Today we live in a world without borders, a global village. Distance no longer defines who we meet, fall in love with, or marry. The Internet and e-mail connect people around the world in seconds. Immigration, study abroad, travel, and multinational business have created a thriving cross-cultural community. But the experiences shared across cultures and countries do not always bridge the fundamental differences in beliefs and behaviors that span diverse cultures.In Intercultural Marriage, Dugan Romano delivers a reality check for anyone already in, or contemplating, an intercutural marriage. This insightful book interweaves lessons learned from others and suggests that the joys of an intercultural marriage often result from turning the challenges of crossing cultures into an opportunity for a fulfilling and lasting relationship.Now in its third edition, Intercultural Marriage examines the impact of cultural differences in marriage and offers practical guidelines on how to deal with the complexities they bring to a partnership. Covering such topics as raising bicultural children, religion, values, male vs. female roles, sex, and social class, Romano continues to give voice to hundreds of couples she has interviewed and followed for over a decade. Invaluable for anyone contemplating or having already plunged into cross-border wedlock.- Richard Richter, founding president of Radio Free Asia If you are thinking about marrying someone from another culture, or have a friend or family member doing so, this book should be required reading.-Chester Gillis, professor of Theology and Amaturo Chair in Catholic Studies, Georgetown University Dugan Romano, author of Intercultural Marriage: Promises & Pitfalls advises couples on how to make multicultural marriages last forever. Showing a keen interest in your mate's culture and understanding that they may not get all of the rules of your culture is also important. After reading this book, both you and your fiance will be ready to have fun celebrating both of your cultures with family and friends.- Engagement 101 magazine, engagement101mag.com, January 2009 Contents Introduction: What's It All About PART I: DARING TO BE DIFFERENT The Whos and the Whys Phases of AdjustmentPART II: FOOD, FRIENDS, AND OTHER FRUSTRATIONS Values Food and Drink SexMale-Female Roles Time Place of Residence Politics Friends Finances In-Laws Social Class Religion Raising Children Language and Communication Responding to Stress and Conflict Illness and Suffering EthnocentrismThe Expatriate SpouseCoping with Death or DivorcePART III: MAKING MIRACLES ISN'T EASY Types of Intercultural Marriages What About the Promises Factors for Success Before Taking that Big StepConclusion

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dugan Romano, with personal experience in an intercultural marriage, and as a cross-cultural trainer and counselor for more than 15 years, has worked extensively as a journalist for Glamour and the Rome Daily American. She lives in Washington, DC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing; 3rd Edition edition (August 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193193052X
• ISBN-13: 978-1931930529
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 10/10, April 9, 2011

By 

Kate - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Intercultural Marriage: Promises and Pitfalls (Paperback)

I've always been very attracted to people from other cultures, and until I read this book, I relied a lot on these past relationships to guide me romantically. Multicultural relationships were never common subjects of conversation (even in my multicultural household growing up), so I picked up this book. It really spoke to a lot of my thinking and questioning swirling around my head---both as a product of and a partner in a multicultural relationship. Now in a serious, very happy relationship with someone from a different country, class, religion, language etc., I found this book to be invaluable in helping me approach tougher conversations with a clearer, fairer mindset. Also, this book isn't written in a voice that values any culture above another... something I greatly appreciate. I felt totally comfortable presenting it to my partner as something that can help us as equals in our relationship. I highly recommend it to anyone who in a multicultural relationship and interested in some sound advice in order to ride the waves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read, September 1, 2010

By 

Frank Rizzo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Intercultural Marriage: Promises and Pitfalls (Paperback)

For anyone contemplating marriage outside of familiar cultural boundaries, this book is an excellent road map on a path which will be full of unexpected challenges and rewards. Misunderstandings abound in marriage relations, but they can be compounded and made more complex by different cultures. Must read, before marriage, but after can't hurt.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful book, April 14, 2010

By 

Janet David - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Intercultural Marriage: Promises and Pitfalls (Paperback)

This book is a must for clinicians working with families and individuals who have an intercultural marriage in their family system - more and more people fit into this category. It is equally helpful for people in those situations. The book is insightful and clearly written.